#CSP #NHL #LEAFSNATION
Back on home ice, can the Maple Leafs seize their second opportunity to close out the series vs. the Senators and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference semifinals?
– The Leafs need a good start. The Senators have scored first in each of the last two games, and Toronto’s first period in Game 4 was their worst of the series so far, given the context: outhit 16-9, and high-danger attempts were 8-1 at five-on-five. Be ready to go.
– It’s time for the Leafs to stop shooting themselves in the foot with bad penalties. The Senators have scored a power-play goal in three straight. They were off a skate, a 5-on-3, and a shot that should be saved, but the Leafs are putting themselves in those positions and need to clean it up. If the game is played at five-on-five, they’ll be fine.
– The coaching staff should move Bobby McMann to the second line at the beginning of the game instead of waiting until the team is trailing. The line is better with him there, and we have a good sample of evidence supporting this. With McMann on L2, a convincing case can be made that the Leafs own the two best lines in the series. Load up and run the Senators over at home.
– Other than the McMann/Holmberg question, there is plenty to like about the Leafs‘ forward lines and defense pairs. There is no compelling reason to change anything else and overthink it.
– Will the extra day of rest help Anthony Stolarz bounce back from Game 4? He has allowed some shaky goals in each of the last two games.
– Will the Senators continue to flip Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens? The Leafs should match up Auston Matthews versus either of those two line combinations anyway, and it should be a big advantage for Toronto. If they can avoid the Shane Pinto matchup — as they did in Game 1 and Game 2 on home ice — the Leafs should realistically win all those matchups.
– It’s time for the Leafs to take advantage of home ice and end the series tonight. The crowd should provide a lift; hit and score early, and the building will be rocking. The Leafs have the best line in the series and a deep defense. At home, they should be able to control all the matchups and dictate the game.
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