Opinion | Game 7 will be a referendum on the Maple Leafs, even if that isn’t fair

  • 📰 TorontoStar
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 53 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 25%
  • Publisher: 55%

Canada Headlines News

Canada Latest News,Canada Headlines

Game 7 will be a referendum on the Maple Leafs, even if that isn’t fair. This is different from past first-round matchups that didn’t end well. It's the best Leafs team in the era by miles against the two-time defending champs. Opinion by bruce_arthur

went to Philadelphia and won a hockey game the way they so often have: so-so effort, some bursts of brilliance, get out of town. Head coach Sheldon Keefe wasn’t happy, but he was philosophical.

Thursday night, Toronto had a chance to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it was a second straight classic. In Game 5, the Leafs delivered. In Game 6 in Tampa, Toronto had a whole lot of chances to win and they didn’t,And the Leafs can win. No, they haven’t done it in this open elevator shaft of an era. The Leafs are 1-9 when leading a playoff series, and 0-8 with a chance to advance. Boston, Boston, Boston, Columbus, Montreal, Montreal, Montreal, and now Tampa.But Toronto can win.

And on the balance, Dubas has done a pretty tremendous job. You might disagree with his philosophical hockey choices, or some of the decisions on the way. But the process of the Maple Leafs has been very, very good. But the Leafs could win, too, and if that happens the first-round curse evaporates into the air. Then Toronto would face Florida or Washington in the second round with a top gear — which the Leafs showed off in Game 1, in the first period of Game 2, and in the final two periods of that thrilling Game 5 — that might be unmatched.

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.

bruce_arthur it's tough...

bruce_arthur “Best leaf team in an era.” Where have I heard that before it seems extremely familiar?

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:

 /  🏆 60. in CA

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.

Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews nominated for Hart Trophy, hours before Game 6 vs. LightningA 60-goal season in hand, Maple Leafs star centre Auston Matthews was named one of the three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player.
Source: TorontoStar - 🏆 60. / 55 Read more »

Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 6: Three burning questionsThe Maple Leafs will try to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2004 with a win tonight in Tampa Bay. Here’s three…
Source: nationalpost - 🏆 10. / 80 Read more »

Game 6 Notebook: Cooper leaning into Maple Leafs’ doubts - Sportsnet.caWith the Maple Leafs under pressure to finally take care of business in a first-round series, Lightning coach Jon Cooper is continuing his trend of shrewdly flipping the weight on his opponent even with the champs down to their last gasp heading into Game 6. lukefoxjukebox Cooper y’a pas plus face-a-claque que lui!
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »

Maple Leafs vs Lightning Game 6 Picks and Predictions: Tampa Refuses to DieNHL Playoffs odds, picks and predictions for Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning on May 12. NHL betting free picks for moneyline and Over/Under.
Source: nationalpost - 🏆 10. / 80 Read more »

Point scores in OT as Lightning beat Maple Leafs 4-3 to force Game 7The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed to another Game 7 after losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime. Tough loss for the Leafs, but at least Game 7 will be played in Toronto though LeafsForever game 7 & the leafs Mood. Leafs are trash. Tennis is de facto Canada’s national support. Cope 😘
Source: CP24 - 🏆 30. / 67 Read more »

Maple Leafs sign prospects Topi Niemela, Roni Hirvonen to entry-level deals - Sportsnet.caThe Toronto Maple Leafs have signed two Finnish prospects -- defenceman Topi Niemela and forward Roni Hirvonen -- to three-year, entry-level deals. Can the defence-man get himself to game 7?
Source: Sportsnet - 🏆 57. / 59 Read more »