Former Maple Leafs Player Reveals Toronto's Main Problem Going Into Playoffs
Up until yesterday afternoon, the Leafs had been gearing up to face Sergei Bobrovsky in their game last night.
However, in a surprising move, the Panthers announced that Alex Lyon would be starting, with Sergei Bobrovsky not even being available for the match.
The decision by Head Coach Paul Maurice proved to be a smart one, as Lyon delivered an exceptional performance, effectively securing the win for Florida.
Former Maple Leafs Player Reveals Toronto's Main Problem Going Into Playoffs
During TSN1050's "First Up" this morning, Carlo Colaiacovo discussed a particular issue that has often been attributed to the Leafs, expressing his concerns.
"Take Carolina, for example, with Pyotr Kochetkov, who has mostly played in the AHL this year... 44 shots, only 3 goals and a loss. Kevin Lankinen... 34 shots, just 3 goals. And last night, Alex Lyon, an American League goalie who faced 43 shots and allowed only 2 goals," Colaiacovo said, referring to several recent games in which the Leafs faced second and third-string goalies.
He went on to add:
While Colaiacovo's concern may be somewhat justified, it is worth noting that the Leafs were also criticized last season for not scoring enough "gritty" goals before the playoffs. Despite this, they managed to record Vasilevskiy's worst series save percentage (.887) in Tampa's back-to-back runs to the Cup final.
As per Dobber Sports, the Leafs currently rank seventh in HDSF/60, HDGF/60, and HDGF% per 60 at 5v5, slightly ahead of their first-round opponent, Tampa Bay, and a bit behind the Bruins. Thus, claiming that the Leafs don't score enough "gritty" goals seems to be somewhat lacking in thorough research.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily -
Former Leaf identifies the number one issue for this Leafs team heading into the playoffs
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MARS 30 | 680 ANSWERS Former Maple Leafs Player Reveals Toronto's Main Problem Going Into Playoffs Do you think the Leafs will win a playoff round this year? | ||
| Yes | 458 | 67.4 % |
| No | 222 | 32.6 % |
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![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
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