The Jekyll and Hyde Maple Leafs were at it again on Holy Mackinaw Night.
After playing a lethargic and underwhelming first 50 minutes against a depleted Blackhawks squad, the Leafs potted three goals in a seven-minute span – including two goals in eight seconds to tie it up – to pull out a 3-2 win.
All in all, it made for a fascinating Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. How do you recap a game like that? They weren’t very good, borderline awful, but incredibly, they managed to persevere and find a way to get the job done. Without question, that wasn’t the response everyone was looking for after Craig Berube called out his leaders on Saturday night following the Edmonton game. For most of the night, they played an uninspired brand fit for a team who were well down the road to get their coach fired. Then, out of nowhere, they all woke up, and now, Craig Berube can enjoy his 60th birthday.
Suffice it is to say, it’s been a trying season for Chief and the Maple Leafs —Tuesday night was just another chapter in the book. Auston Matthews had another tough night, but let’s call a spade a spade: He delivered at the most important time of the game. The captain notched a goal and an assist while William Nylander, who, too, had a dreadful evening, chipped in with two helpers. Joseph Woll returned to the crease making 23 stops. In fact, Woll has now surrendered two goals or less in four of his past five outings. Matthews and Dakota Joshua scored eight seconds apart late in the third with the latter standing as the game-winner.
After that, 2018 Stanley Cup champion and NHL on ESPN Analyst T.J. Oshie dropped by to dish on the Maple Leafs. For the most part, Oshie talked a lot about BUY-IN throughout the interview. Understandably so, he used his experience going all the way with the Capitals as a comparison for where the Maple Leafs are at right now. Firstly, he dissected the lack of response following Berube’s comments, and ultimately, what that could mean. Then, he hit on whether a coaching change would do anything. Furthermore, it was fascinating to hear Oshie talk about the Capitals’ power play and what made it so great. Of course, the Leafs’ has left a lot to be desired this season. Lastly, Oshie gave a long-term prediction. Spoiler: He thinks the Leafs will be right in the mix come the end of the season.
The Leafs now hit the road for three in a row starting on Thursday night in D.C. Bruce Boudreau will be by on the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take to help break that one down.
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