For a variety of reasons, Tuesday night’s performance in Utah was about as predictable as packed gyms in January.
Following their emotional OT win in Colorado, the Leafs fell flat against the Mammoth in the second game of their four game road trip. Dylan Guenther and Jack McBain notched three points apiece as Utah cruised to a convincing 6-1 victory. From the opening puck drop, you could tell it was going to be a rough night for Craig Berube and company, who dropped their first game in regulation since December 21st. With that, both the four game win streak and ten game point streak came to a screeching halt. All in all, vibes were still fairly high to kick off the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. In fact, we both agreed to park it. That’s all they can do. This was a scheduled loss, and that’s fine. That said, it’s imperative that the Leafs get right back on the horse on Thursday night in Sin City. More to come on that.
Another day, another former Flame has been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dougie Hamilton, who played for Brad Treliving in Calgary, is available for trade, and according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s “Insider Trading,” the Leafs would certainly be a potential fit. In the grand scheme of things, Toronto’s reported interest shouldn’t be surprising. Hamilton’s big, he can play the right side, and most importantly, he can run a power play. Check, check, and check. Having said all that, it only makes sense if New Jersey is willing to retain a significant portion of the two years remaining on his deal at $9 million per season—and isn’t asking for much in return. There’s a lot of moving parts to this, but naturally, we did debate the topic. It would make a lot of sense —at least on paper.
Suffice it is to say, Matias Maccelli’s return to Delta Center didn’t go too well. Just like the rest of his team, he wasn’t good. Hell, he even received a few boos. Go figure. Save for a few shifts to start the second period, the Leafs didn’t have much jump. It felt like they were cooked once John Tavares was stopped on that second period breakaway. Everything went downhill from there. Toronto surrendered 23 high danger chances. Dennis Hildeby allowed six goals on 39 shots. He wasn’t as dialled as he’s been, but the loss shouldn’t be pinned on him. They had nothing. Meantime, the power play’s starting to struggle again. They’re 2-for-14 with the man advantage over the past six outings.
After that, former NHLer and current co-host of Spittin’ Chiclets Ryan Whitney stopped by the pod to weigh in on the surging Maple Leafs. He hit on the Utah letdown, Toronto’s hot run, the Hamilton rumours, the Marner game, and if he thinks the Leafs will make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Of note, Whitney did note that he wouldn’t want to play the Leafs in the first round —if they get in.
David Pagnotta will sub in for Jay Rosehill as co-host on the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM ET for a full preview of one of the most anticipated regular season games in recent memory. Also, die-hard Leafs fan Jackie Redmond, who does great work for both WWE and TNT, will stop by to share her thoughts ahead of the big game.
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