Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Game 6: Leafs looking to go 7

April 23, 2018, 9:35 AM ET [174 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Despite the worst officiated game since the game seven meltdown, the Leafs managed to hold on and fend off the Bruins in an intense game five.

It really was that bad, I’m not one to get overly frustrated with the way the ref’s call the game because it goes both ways. Most of the time…

So far in this series we have seen a number of slew foots, head shots and typical Marchand type behaviour (licking Leo Komarov’s face). The list goes on. So far in this series the Leafs have 49 penalty minutes in three games in Boston, the Bruins have 19. In Toronto the Leafs have a whopping 4 minutes in penalties and the Bruins 6. Were the Leafs chasing a bit more in Boston in the overall, sure of course they were, at least in games one and two.

So yes it’s been atrocious and it’s sad that it’s even a topic of conversation.

This is exactly why the Leafs need to focus on their game plan and not worry about what the referees are going to call. If Toronto plays its game the Buds will score a handful of goals and chase Rask from the net again. He’s a goaltender that’s easily rattled.

Kadri did a great job returning to the lineup, he was in the mix laying the body and digging hard for the puck. He didn’t shy away from playing the game that he’s been playing since Babcock took over and took Nazem to the next level. How about that silky feed up to Andreas Johnsson?

Speaking of next level, how about Mitch Marner? Without a doubt he’s been the most offensive weapon for the Leafs in this series. Nylander and Matthews need to take note and step it up, I’m counting on them to have a breakout game tonight. Matthews especially is due for a multi goal game, perhaps he's saving it for when the Leafs need it most.

Andersen needs to stand big and gobble up those rebounds in the first period and the Leafs need to get that first goal. It’s been ever so important in this series as the first team to score has won every game. Boston is going to push hard coming in as they want to deflate the Leafs home ice crowd so a big start is key for the Leafs success tonight. No way is this the last home game of the season, the boys in blue got this series.

Two wins away from round two.

And for what it’s worth, it’s been since January 22 that the Leafs lost two games in a row at home.

Do or die at home tonight, what I'd do for a ticket to tonight's game!

Go Leafs Go!!!
Enjoy the game and thanks for reading.
Join the Discussion: » 174 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Lucas Neilson
» Bust out your monocle and take a gander of the Atlantic
» Atlantic Division Spotlight: Tampa Bay Lightning
» Slicing the Atlantic Division in Half
» Atlantic Spotlight: Toronto Maple Leafs
» Atlantic Spotlight: Red Wings