The dreaded first game back home never disappoints. From the onset, the Leafs didn’t have it against Minnesota on Monday night, and essentially, they got their asses handed to them. And, rightfully so.
We kicked off the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take with a vibe check. Rosey was ready to park the loss, I was a little more peeved about it. That said, for me, it’s more big-picture and how many games they threw away earlier in the season. The good news on Monday was that everyone around the Leafs – save for Philadelphia – lost. That included Florida, who got Matthew Tkachuk back in the lineup. Unfortunately, no one’s talking about the Panthers’ loss. That’s because there was a wicked goalie fight in that game as Sergei Bobrovsky went toe-to-toe with San Jose’s Alex Nedeljkovic. Rosey broke it down. Speaking of goalies, on Tuesday morning, the Leafs assigned Anthony Stolarz to the Marlies (AHL) on a conditioning stint. That’s good news. It means he’s getting closer to returning.
Meantime, we hit on the Kiefer Sherwood deal between Vancouver and the Sharks, and ultimately, what it could mean for Bobby McMann’s potential value as the trade deadline gets closer and closer. Over the next 14 games, Brad Treliving will be tasked with some major decisions, which will include what to do with McMann, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. It was a fun debate. You traded McMann, you’re instantly trying to find another McMann. With all that in mind, the Leafs need to find a way to recoup some assets, and with that, you need to make some tough roster construction decisions. McMann’s been really good this year, but is this is his ceiling? Also, where was he to finish up last season? If you recall, he had a very difficult ending to his 2024-25 campaign.
As mentioned, it was a tough night against Minnesota. Joseph Woll looked tired, so did the rest of the team. The Leafs fell to 7-3-2 without William Nylander in the lineup. Auston Matthews notched a goal and an assist. The Leafs captain now has 11 goals in his past 12 outings. Of note, Matthews passed Borje Salming (768) for fourth on the Maple Leafs’ all-time point list. Matthews is back to his old self. Over and above all that, the Leafs made some ill-advised plays and took some bad penalties. It was an off night. Just like that, the seven game win streak on home ice went poof. Lastly, we did touch on Matthew Knies, who talked a bit about his lingering injury after the game. He’s not feeling great, but we both agreed that the Leafs need to find a way to get him to the Olympic break. They need him in the lineup. He’s too valuble, even at less than 100%. Knies didn’t practice on Tuesday.
After that, we played our interview from Monday afternoon with former Leaf James van Riemsdyk, who’s getting ready to visit Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. Firstly, we hit on his filthy in-between the legs goals on James Reimer Sunday night, his hot start, and what it’s been like playing with this upstart Red Wings squad. Furthermore, we hit on playing in Toronto, the crazy Eastern Conference standings, and if he’s been scoreboard watching. Lastly, JVR dished on Matthews’ brilliance, Nylander swag and style, and what it was like playing with Scott Laughton in Philadelphia. He actually revealed that he’s still very close with Laughton.
The rigorous schedule continues. Coming up on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take, we’re going to preview game two of Toronto’s five game homestand as they host the Detroit Red Wings.
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