Toronto Maple Leafs: Home Sweet Home
The Toronto Maple Leafs concluded the week with a shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks, the second of the week.
Concluding the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs are halfway a six-game homestand. With one regulation loss and two shootout wins, let’s review the week, shall we?
Road tripping West, coming home East is best
After the last road trip, in which the results were poor, the Toronto Maple Leafs started a six-game homestand this week. Nothing better than the re-energize and build some confidence back at the Air Canada Center.
The homestand started with a high paced game against Tampa in which the buds pulled the shortest straw. It was, however, an entertaining game for the crowd. Though it was unfortunate the Maple Leafs weren’t able to follow-up the beautiful remembrance of Leafs legend Johnny Bower with a win.
The next two games were both won in shootouts, in which Tyler Bozak proved his worth for the first time this year. The win over San José was ugly, but a good team will find a way to win games. The win over Vancouver was a bit more impressive, coming back from a two-goal deficit late in the third period.
Three stars of the week
So, the Toronto Maple Leafs ended the week with four points in the bag. Pointwise, not a bad week, so let’s give credit where it’s due!
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My third star is Frederik Andersen. Even though he made some mistakes that led to goals against, he gave the team a chance every game with some magnificent saves. Not to forget he stood his ground in the shootouts.
My second star is our own superstar Auston Matthews, scoring the first Maple Leafs goals against San José and Vancouver and scoring in both games shootout.
My first star is Johnny Bower, who in memory moved the hearts of the Leafs Nation worldwide. An icon for generations, and hopefully, for many to come.
Highlights of the week
Personally, two moments of last week really stick with me, first is the Auston Matthews goal against Vancouver, which you can view here.
The way William Nylander battled along the boards (something he is often accused of avoiding) and the rush of Zach Hyman with a great pass on Matthews who only had to put it home. In a way, Hyman and Nylander traded roles for a great rush to the net.
Of course, the beautiful pre-game tribute to Leafs legend Johnny Bower is also a highlight of the week. The Toronto Maple Leafs held a fitting and above all beautiful tribute, suiting for the memorable moments Johnny Bower gave the Toronto Maple Leafs. In case you missed it, which I highly doubt, you can view it here.
Next: Should the Leafs Claim Franson?
What’s next
The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets who are coming out the first game of a back to back series. I expect the Leafs will start fast to tire the Blue Jackets out. Anything else but a regulation win would be a disappointment and unacceptable.
Thanks for reading and please share your personal three stars and highlights of the week!