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Toronto Maple Leafs: Kadri and Kids Rise to the Occasion

By Cary Byron |
Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) is mobbed by teammates after scoring in overtime to give the Leafs a 4-3 win over Washington Capitals in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) is mobbed by teammates after scoring in overtime to give the Leafs a 4-3 win over Washington Capitals in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

On their heels early, Toronto Maple Leafs Nazem Kadri and Co. came to life and shined brightly in the Toronto spotlight.

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a slow start to their Game 3 matchup against the Washington Capitals on Monday, but it was veteran Nazem Kadri who brought the energy and life back into the Air Canada Centre.

That is the definition of an Overtime thriller.

Momentum is a special thing. It comes as quickly as it disappears. It was the first playoff game in Toronto in 4 years and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The offensive breakout of Auston Matthews and William Nylander is certainly a positive sign and some guy named Zach Hyman did what he does best, barreling into the corners and getting that puck back for his talented linemates. Refer to my previous article where I heaped plenty of praise for Hyman…

I did, read it and I promise I’m a fan.

Matthews finally found the scoresheet with a good drive to the net following up his own shot and putting home a rebound past Braden Holtby (take notes, kids). He scores in all areas of the ice and it’s very encouraging to see him heat up and getting more looks out there. The Maple Leafs needed it.

The Maple Leafs needed it.

Turning Point

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Plenty of good performances by all lines, but the turning point of the game and the biggest swing of momentum had to be the play of Nazem Kadri.

Kadri’s most effective when he’s bringing his energy and laying the body. He is undoubtedly a great matchup against opposing teams top guys and now slips under the Toronto radar occasionally because of the young guns.

His performance on Monday night should not be overlooked because it’s plays and grit like this that can help change a series and it’s starting to show.

And another one…

Great shifts by Kadri and Co. helped to pin the Capitals in their own zone for extended periods and eventually led to a power play opportunity heading into the overtime period. Bozak redirected home a nice winner over Holtby’s glove and the ACC was on their feet.

What a great playoff homecoming, four years in the making.

The Power of Momentum

That is the power of momentum in hockey. With the help of a loud home crowd who certainly brought the energy, the Maple Leafs again have shown they are a force to be reckoned with and will not go down without a fight.

The kids are heating up at the right moment and with a balanced lineup and a goaltender capable of stealing games, the Toronto Maple Leafs have made some noise and their presence felt.

Don’t take them lightly.

Leafs lead the series 2-1 and return to action on Wednesday night.

Go Buds.

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