Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs: Cinderella Story in the Making

By Andrew Boehmer

Apr 9, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) celebrates his goal with center Mitch Marner (16) and center Tyler Bozak (42) in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) celebrates his goal with center Mitch Marner (16) and center Tyler Bozak (42) in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken a 2-1 series lead with their latest victory Monday night.

The Toronto Maple Leafs came into this series against the Washington Capitals as the clear cut underdog.

I mean, the league’s very best against the team that just squeaked into the playoffs?

Ya, they’re the underdogs alright.

Most assumed that the Capitals would run over the young Leafs squad, but it’s actually been quite the opposite. The fact is that the Leafs have not only proven that they can keep up, but that they can win.

The Leafs went into the series thinking they were going to win and nothing’s changed.

How’s that for confidence?

Getting Some Swagger

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One would think that losing a playoff game in overtime would be detrimental to the motivation that fuels these players.

However, I think that first overtime loss in game one pushed the Leafs further in their quest for the Stanley Cup, lighting a spark amongst the players.

They went into game one as the team that didn’t have a chance and then brought it into overtime. Two flukey goals by the Capitals carried them to victory.

After that, the Leafs gained momentum and motivation to take this series and dictate play.

Game two in Washington was a do or die kind of game and that’s just how they treated it, bringing it into double overtime and then sealing the deal to even out the series.

Monday night was the Leafs turn to host the Capitals in their own barn. For a third consecutive game, it went into overtime and the Leafs came out with the win courtesy of Tyler Bozak’s game winner.

Leafs are in charge, leading the series 2-1 with another game on home ice before returning to Washington for game five on Friday.

Cinderella Story

This is a Cinderella story in the making, folks.

From gloom to bloom, the Leafs finished dead last in the 2015-16 standings and are now beating the best team in the NHL in the playoffs one year later.

How?

This team is fast, disciplined and carries the notion that they can win every time they step out onto the ice. That kind of mentality means everything in the playoffs.

Heck, they came back from two early goals against Monday night to win the game.

And just think, this is the very beginning for this team. Success is knocking on their door.

I’m telling you, this is a Cinderella story in the making and it’s a beautiful site.

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