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The only notable news following the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday was team captain John Tavares getting fined $5,000 for a slash on Oilers defenseman Vincent Deharnais, but in the win that showed the Leafs stepping up into playing more playoff-style hockey, it was notable that their star players played with more sandpaper than usual.
so the refs let things go, then call the penalty on both (again) pic.twitter.com/c3v0CRlEK8
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 12, 2023
Tavares scored a pair and added an assist in Toronto’s impressive rally from a 3-1 deficit, but his response from abuse by Deharnais in front of the Edmonton net was a whack to his right wrist. After getting hit twice in Vancouver and sitting out a game recovering, the Leafs captain showed that he could take care of himself.
“On the top players, in particular, a lot of players take a lot of liberties, especially in tight games. It seems not much of it gets called. Sometimes players have to take it into their own hands in cases like that and stand up for themselves.… Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said on Sunday. “For that reason, I have no problem with it.…
Auston Matthews had a minor mixup with off-season friend Connor McDavid, who each got called for coincidental minors, but it may be a sign that the reigning Hart Trophy winner will be more physical against smaller centers like Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point come playoff time.
this was funny pic.twitter.com/OGiRViAdUO
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 12, 2023
The more controversial confrontation against the Oilers involved noted hothead Evander Kane and Leafs antagonist Michael Bunting, which eventually devolved into a wrestling match. Kane after the contest accused Bunting of being a diver, but for most of the season the Scarborough native has been the only sparkplug on the Toronto roster.
"Bunts is just trying to play hard," Tavares said, "Obviously, (Kane) has his own opinion, but I think Bunts is trying to play hard and be on the fine line. He plays with a lot of emotion. We love him. We think he's a great teammate."
the refs didn't call any of this lol pic.twitter.com/Hv5RAAKGNa
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 12, 2023
then they called this pic.twitter.com/RoVdY1b4Ij
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 12, 2023
The Leafs take on the Buffalo Sabres at Scotiabank Arena on Monday in the second game of a four-game homestand. Keefe indicated that Matt Murray will get his second straight start in hopes that the veteran will get into a rhythm after struggling early against the Oilers. Toronto will stick with the 11 forward, seven defensemen alignment for the time being. Craig Anderson was the first goalie off the ice at Buffalo’s morning skate on Monday, which would be an indicator that the veteran will go against his longtime Atlantic Division foe.
Luke Schenn according to Keefe is heading back to Toronto on Monday, which would put the blueliner in the mix for Leafs next game vs. Colorado on Wednesday. *******