Here. We. Go. Again.
From 3-0 to 3-2.
Undoubtedly, it’s butt-puckering time in Leafs Nation after the Leafs failed – once again – to get the job done in Game 5 of the Battle of Ontario.
It was an ugly one.
Jay Rosehill was back in the mix for the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take, which ultimately, acted as an all-encompassing therapy session. In many ways, the episode felt like a post-mortem, even though Toronto’s still up 3-2 in the series. Ultimately, the Cour Four made their beds, and now, they will have to lie in it. It’s as simple as that.
Truth be told, it’s incredible to think that Toronto’s 1-13 in potential series clinching games since 2017. How? That’s a next to impossible feat. Not for the Maple Leafs, though. After a decent start, the team lacked desperation and urgency down the stretch. Most notably, it was the big boys – outside of John Tavares – who offered up next to thing. They had no jump, no drive. In essence, the same old same when it mattered most. Linus Ullmark notched the 27-save shutout, but at the end of the day, the Leafs weren’t getting to the dirty areas like they did earlier in the series. Toronto went 0-for-3 on the power play. On top of that, for the second straight game, they surrendered a shorthanded goal, too. Anthony Stolarz made 15 stops. He wasn’t the reason they lost. The goose egg was.
After that, courtesy Charm Diamond Centres, Brian Burke stopped by the show. As per usual, the former President & GM brought some bite to the program. Firstly, he was in the building for Game 5, so he gave his thoughts on the 4-0 loss. After that, he weighed in on the Core Four’s struggles and the ugly stats surrounding that four-pack over the years. Then, he pushed back on the idea of Craig Berube making lineup changes, especially in the crease. Lastly, Burkie shared a story that Pittsburgh was prepared to draft Knies before Toronto got him in the 2021 draft a spot ahead of them. Imagine Knies on a line with Crosby?
To wrap, we got to the CRISPI HOT TAKE OF THE DAY, presented by the Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer. Producer Vick thinks the Leafs gave the captaincy to the wrong guy. Me. Oh. My. That was a fun debate.
Onwards and upwards we go. Be sure to join us for the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take as we preview Game 6. Also, the incomparable Paul Bissonnette will drop by the show to hopefully manifest a series victory.
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