All eyes are firmly back on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This week’s edition of Prime Monday Night Hockey was a rollercoaster experience.
After playing two of the most depressingly lifeless periods in recent memory, the Leafs erupted for four unanswered third period goals to stun the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3. They didn’t deserve to win that game, but as they’ve done time and time again in the regular season, they found a way to wake up and turn the tables.
Off the top of the show, we were joined by Samantha Teasdale from SickKids Foundation to announce a $4,223.06 donation to the charity. Since last September, SickKids Foundation has been our exclusive YouTube Super Chat charity partner. It is a Canadian charity that raises money for The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, supporting research and patient care.
Then, we got into Toronto’s improbable win. Bobby McMann snapped an eight-game drought and William Nylander notched two goals and an assist in his return to the lineup. Meantime, Auston Matthews tallied a goal and an assist while Anthony Stolarz made 34 saves. Once again, the Leafs were down 3-0 after two before scoring three goals in 3:24 in the third period to tie things up. It really was a Jekyll and Hyde performance. Additionally, we gave some love for Nick Robertson, who picked up another point, and Brandon Carlo, who had two massive shot blocks in the final minute of play. Lastly, we touched on Matias Maccelli getting healthy scratched. There’s nothing wrong with internal competition.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion Darryl Sutter then stopped by the show. Firstly, Sutter weighed in on his Toronto Blue Jays and the heartbreak surrounding that on Saturday night. After that, the conversation morphed into what the Leafs could potentially learn from the Blue Jays. Also, Sutter played the role of Craig Berube after that crazy game and what his messaging would be to the team. Yes, the Leafs flipped the switch, but the first two periods were an absolute joke. Lastly, Sutter broke down why he thinks the Leafs are a perennial contender. Like many others, he liked what they did this past summer. He thinks they’re built for playoff hockey.
To wrap, we dissected some of the news from practice. Utah’s in town on Wednesday night. Craig Berube could be making wholesale changes as Scott Laughton, Matias Maccelli, and Steven Lorentz all practiced in regular white jerseys. Furthermore, Easton Cowan, Calle Jarnkrok, and Sammy Blais could be on the outside looking in for game No. 14.
Speaking of which, Zack Phillips will sub in for Jay Rosehill on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM as we preview Toronto’s home tilt with the upstart Utah Mammoth.
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