Throughout their more than century of existence, Game Seven has not exactly been kind to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The first true heartbreak occurred in the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals. A game of which wouldn’t have been played in the first place if referee Kerry Fraser managed to successfully perform the bare minimum of his job. Years later, fans were subjected to another historical collapse in 2013. You all know what happened then. A refresher seems unnecessary.
Travel back in time to just 2 short months ago and the history of game seven repeats itself once more. Down to the very last detail.
Which brings us to tonight. Yes, tonight could very well see that pain – or at least some semblance of it – be mercifully alleviated. Deadlocked at 3 games apiece, the Toronto Marlies prepare to take on the Texas Stars for all the marbles.
A game which, should they win, could do wonders to rewrite this narrative of annual futility plaguing the franchise for decades.
Back to Sparks
Without a doubt, Garret Sparks put forth a truly putrid goaltending performance in game six.
Allowing 4 goals on 17 shots, his stumbles erased an otherwise solid performance by his teammates, who collectively pumped Texas for 45 shots against.
Sheldon Keefe eventually pulled Sparks following the 4th goal, a decision formulating speculation as to whether he’d turn back to his struggling starter with the season now on the line.
Well, it appears as if, even with a performance as horrid as Tuesday’s in the rearview mirror, Keefe supports Sparks. Something his teammates continue to do as well.
“A game like that doesn’t happen to him very often,” Travis Dermott told reporters following game six.
“We’re feeling pretty confident that he’s going to be himself next game.”
Calle Rosen, a fellow member of the Marlies D corps, reiterated Dermott’s stance.
“Our whole team knows how good he is,” the 24-year-old native of Sweden replied.
“I’m really confident that he’s going to bounce back really good.”
Something’s Gotta Give
As previously mentioned, the Marlies outshot Texas by a margin of 45-24 on Tuesday. Sadly, only two managed to beat Stars’ goaltender Mike McKenna.
That, my friends, is outrageous.
Barring a mathematical anomaly of cataclysmic proportions, such a degree of misfortunate will not be repeated tonight. As outstanding as McKenna has been throughout this series, the Marlies did rock him to the tune of 5 goals against a mere two games ago.
McKenna’s not unstoppable. And the Marlies know it.
“We’ve just got to keep shooting,” said Carl Grundstrom following yesterday’s spirited practice.
“After a while, it’s going to go in.”
In order to actually take shots, the Marlies must first find a way to successfully enter the Stars’ zone. An assignment which, thanks to a stifling Texas neutral zone trap, has been incredibly difficult to perform.
The Stars repeatedly stack their blueline, forcing turnovers and broken rushes before the Marlies can even begin to set up shop.
Specifically, they’ve honed in on Andreas Johnsson, the Marlie implicitly tasked with initiating the majority of his team’s zone entries. Whenever Johnsson begins his ascent up the ice, two Stars immediately gravitate towards him, taking him out of the play.
Instead, a reliance on the forecheck will be their key to victory. A system which should come naturally, as the Marlies deploy one of the most successful and overwhelming forechecks in the AHL.
For once they establish an offensive zone cycle, there’s really not much hope in stopping them.
As much as I despise it, making use of a dump and chase plan of attack may be in the Marlies’ best interests. Carrying the puck into the zone is now a low percentage play. So, if they can successfully get the puck into the corner, their odds of winning the oncoming board battles and inevitably jumpstarting a cycle with sustained pressure, are decidedly high percentage.
Here’s an example of what I mean from game five.
It’s quick. But it’s effective.
With the play turned to the corner, the Marlies’ relentless bevvy of puck hounds takes over immediately, stripping their opponent and regaining possession all in one fell swoop. Seconds later, the play with a Trevor Moore goal, expanding their lead to 2-0.
With the season on the line, do what you do best. And the Marlies forecheck better than anyone.
All the Marbles
Regardless of tonight’s outcome, I ask of you one thing: enjoy it.
Game seven marks the final meaningful game of professional hockey until September. You may be racked with nerves at this point. But, come August, I guarantee you’ll be aching for play to resume.
So, win or lose, pack Ricoh to the gills and shake its foundation with your support. You could very well be witnessing history.
Next: Which Wingers Make the Cut?
The puck drops at 7.