Leafs Shutout Bruins

 

Photo From Sportsnet

The Leafs began November by dropping their first two games, sending the fanbase into another spiral. Things only got worse when the team announced that Matthews was day-to-day with a wrist injury. This had fans worried that our game against Boston would be bad news, but then the game started. Right from the opening faceoff, Toronto had the energy and mindset of a team looking to prove a point. Many had already written the team off, as usual, but Toronto played a great game from start to finish.

Special teams have been a major talking point surrounding the Maple Leafs. Last night, the Leafs found themselves shorthanded six times, and with the likes of Pastrnak, Marchand, and others on the ice, being shorthanded that often is usually playing with fire. Thankfully, Toronto’s penalty kill was perfect. One thing I like about Toronto’s penalty-kill unit is how each player focuses on their specific assignment. Of course, teams will manage to score against them, but for the most part, each player stays disciplined and focuses on what they can control. Another thing I appreciate is that they aren’t afraid to sacrifice the body to block shots; they do a great job of getting into shooting lanes and making things difficult for the opponent.

On the other side of the coin, Toronto’s power play has been frustrating. Last night, though, the power play provided most of the offense, scoring three of the team's four goals. The Leafs were able to get point shots through to the net and establish a net-front presence, blocking Swayman’s vision. Does last night’s performance mean the power-play issues are solved? No, but it was a sign that the potential is there. It showed that Toronto can be dangerous when they have the man advantage.

This is a Leafs-focused blog, but I want to take a minute to share my thoughts on the Boston Bruins. Elliott Friedman recently reported that Boston’s head coach is on the hot seat, partly due to the team’s lack of scoring. Sure, some of the team’s performance falls on the coach, but I think the front office needs scrutiny. Jim Montgomery didn’t trade Ullmark for Korpisalo; Don Sweeney and Cam Neely did. Who waited until the last minute to pay Jeremy Swayman what he wanted? Don Sweeney, the GM. Who decided to let Jake DeBrusk walk in free agency? Boston’s issues fall on their General Manager and President, but unfortunately, if things don’t improve, Montgomery might lose his job because he can’t make chicken salad out of chicken… well, you know.

Toronto will now have a few days off before they head into another back-to-back weekend, hosting the Detroit Red Wings on Friday in the Hall of Fame Game before hosting Montreal on Saturday.

Thanks, as always, for reading.