As the Maple Leafs attempt to exercise some playoff demons, MikeKellyNHL looks at how past playoff heartbreak can prepare them for this Game 7.
Low shooting percentage and low save percentage. One is trouble in a single-elimination game, both are deadly. Toronto scored on just under four per cent of its shot attempts in non-elimination games in the playoffs from 2018-2020, but that number dropped to just over 2.5 per cent in the two Game 7s against Boston and the Game 5 against Columbus last season.is stuck on one goal in this series despite having a playoff-high 34 scoring chances.
The same thing has happened in the Maple Leafs’ recent single-elimination games. The Maple Leafs were not built to play this style of game from 2018-2020 and while they still thrive playing a puck possession game, this iteration is better equipped to handle a tighter checking game. Last season, the eventual series-winner by Columbus came from a successful Blue Jackets forecheck that caused a turnover, leading to a Zach Werenski goal from the blue line.
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.
Confident Canadiens prepared to play loose, free in Game 7 vs. Maple Leafs - Sportsnet.caThe Maple Leafs head into Game 7 carrying the weight of past disappointment, hoping to salvage reputations, trying to avoid another tumble down the mountain. The Canadiens? They're calm, confident, and ready to finish what they started. (via EricEngels)
Read more »
Game 7 a defining moment for Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner - Sportsnet.caThis is the moment of truth for the Toronto Maple Leafs. And it’s a defining moment for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the twin pillars of hope most responsible for the sky-high expectations being challenged by this unexpected moment. Watch the Maple Leafs and Canadiens do battle in a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sportsnet and SN Now Monday night. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.
Read more »
Maple Leafs Game 7 Notes: 550 fans ‘a great sign’ for Toronto - Sportsnet.ca“It’s been a long time comin’.” That is how Joe Thornton described the news that fans will be in the building for a Toronto Maple Leafs home game for the first time in 447 days. You can watch that game, a must-win Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens, on Sportsnet and SN Now. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.
Read more »
Canadiens take Game 6 and momentum from Maple Leafs in front of home fansThe Canadiens asserted themselves in Game 6 in a way they hadn’t at any other point over the first five games. Now, they're playing for more chances to compete in front of their fans this season. (EricEngels)
Read more »
Lu on influence fans had on Canadiens, Masters on 'defining moment' for Leafs starsFor the first time in 444 days, fans were in attendance for an NHL game in Canada. How much of a difference did a live audience make for the Canadiens? What is on the line for the core players on the Maple Leafs with one more chance to close out this series? TSN reporters Mark Masters and John Lu discuss.
Read more »