spend three days on the beach, a welcome respite from their chilly homestand, we filled our notebook ahead of Sunday’s proverbial four-point tilt versus the Florida Panthers. Here are seven things you should know.Auston MatthewsMatthews enters Sunday’s match on a heck of a heater. He’s posted seven goals and 11 points during his current six-game point streak and has 20 points in his past 11.
Coach Sheldon Keefe granted Matthews a career-high ice time of 25:41 during Wednesday’s shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets, and Matthews has skated a minimum of 20:43 in seven of the past eight games. “Good players want to get on the ice, and it gives him a chance to really establish himself in the game,” Keefe explained. “That’s been important to me, to get those on the ice early, get them feeling it, give them a chance to put our team in a good spot.
“He’s responded well to having more minutes, but really that’s come off of the fact that he’s just working consistently and we haven’t seen any dips in his effort or his habits. So that’s been the nice thing.” What’s interesting to me is that Matthews said the extra ice time hasn’t been as taxing because of the puck-possession style of attack the Leafs now employ under Keefe.Under former coach Mike Babcock, the club skated in fast, straight lines. Now, there is more east-west action, as the group advances the puck together and attempts to gain the zone with puck on tape.
MapleLeafs lukefoxjukebox FlaPanthers Three days, I guess their going lose.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toronto Maple Leafs sign defenceman Martin Marincin to one-year, $700K extension - TSN.caThe Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenceman Martin Marincin to a one-year extension worth $700,000, the team announced on Friday
Source: TSN_Sports - 🏆 80. / 51 Read more »
Maple Leafs face intriguing conundrum with Rasmus Sandin - Sportsnet.caThe Toronto Maple Leafs have not been dressing their best six defencemen for most of the season. But is the short term gain of calling up Rasmus Sandin worth it when it comes to contract talks later?
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »
Maple Leafs sign defenceman Martin Marincin to one-year extension - Sportsnet.caThe Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenceman Martin Marincin to a one-year extension worth $700,000. MapleLeafs MapleLeafs Nooooooooooo! This guy is the worst! He is USELESS! 💩 MapleLeafs
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »
Quick Shifts: 'Heart and soul' Rielly pushes through pain for Maple Leafs - Sportsnet.ca“Mo is a special guy, special player. He’s the heart and soul of this team. Guys love him in the room, and he’s battling some things, but he never complains about it,” said the MapleLeafs Tyson Barrie. (Via lukefoxjukebox) MapleLeafs lukefoxjukebox Except when he did complain about after the McD goal. MapleLeafs lukefoxjukebox Why play hurt and at what cost? That doesn't make any sense. Ha a you not heard about load management? The science behind it is proven and effective. It just means the coaching staff have to adapt and rely on others. Just ask the Raptors who set the bar.
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »
Keefe: Focus as Leafs coach is creating 'environment for players to thrive' - Sportsnet.ca“Communication and creating an environment for players to thrive, that’s what I’ve tried to focus on.' Sheldon Keefe believes his biggest area of growth hasn't been in the tactics of coaching, but in the softer skills. MapleLeafs l LeafsForever
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »
Leafs Ice Chips: Soaking up the sun as Johnsson gets close to returnAndreas Johnsson traveled with the Maple Leafs to Florida, but there's no guarantee that he'll return to action against the Panthers. The winger was mum on his status following Saturday's skate, while head coach Sheldon Keefe said he'd have to consult the medical staff before making a decision. So let me get this straight...if a Leaf scratches his ass... you write a story about it...got it
Source: TSN_Sports - 🏆 80. / 51 Read more »