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Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Keys to Taking the Series in Game 6

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: From left, Jake Muzzin #8, Kasperi Kapanen #24, Auston Matthews #34, Nikita Zaitsev #22 and Zach Hyman #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate down ice after Auston Matthews scored a goal during the third period of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Maple Leafs defeat the Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 19: From left, Jake Muzzin #8, Kasperi Kapanen #24, Auston Matthews #34, Nikita Zaitsev #22 and Zach Hyman #11 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate down ice after Auston Matthews scored a goal during the third period of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Maple Leafs defeat the Bruins 2-1. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 16: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) and Anaheim Ducks rightwing Jakob Silfverberg (33) in action in front of the Leafs net during the second period of a game played on November 16, 2018 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 16: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) and Anaheim Ducks rightwing Jakob Silfverberg (33) in action in front of the Leafs net during the second period of a game played on November 16, 2018 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Key 2: Defence Needs to Keep up the Strong Play

Are we shocked that the Maple Leafs defense isn’t the team’s biggest issue for once?

It’s like they’ve been possessed with defensive powers all of a sudden. Ron Hainsey has stepped up, including in his physicality. He’s playing the greatest hockey of his tenure with the Leafs and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He’s making great plays and has complimented Morgan Rielly excellently as of late.

Nikita Zaitsev has also been excellent, especially when he hasn’t been that great in recent memory. I haven’t have many complaints with him and it’s a real breath of fresh air.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been dominantly physical for once. They’ve outhit Boston 177-172. This is the most physical play we’ve seen from them and it couldn’t have come against a better team. Going up against the traditionally physical Bruins, being able to dominate in their specialty area is crucial to keep up.

Finally, I can’t forget to mention Jake Muzzin, who arguably played his best game as a Leaf so far on the backs of his new-born daughter.

Seriously though, the acquisition of Muzzin cannot be overlooked. He’s bringing the leadership, physicality and defensive plays that’s helping the Leafs come out on top. Not to mention that excellent pass to Matthews to get on the board.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are finding great defense from their entire blue line and that needs to stay consistent in game six if they want to advance to the second round.

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