Leafs Won't Go Far with Samsonov & Domi Can Be Difference-Maker vs. Bruins
Plus, Leafs physical play can be a double edged , the latest news & rumours and more
Welcome to the THW Toronto Maple Leafs Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Maple Leafs writers.
Maple Leafs Won’t Go Far with Samsonov in Net
April 25, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
The 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster ride for Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov. The 27-year-old entered on a one-year extension, thanks in large part to helping lead the group to their first playoff series win in nearly 20 years. The love the city had for him thanks to that, however, quickly diminished following a horrific start in 2023-24.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors:Â Marchand, Domi, Samsonov & Nylander
April 25, 2024 by The Old Prof
The Boston Bruins won a key 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 3 on Wednesday night. Taking advantage of the Maple Leafs’ home-ice disadvantage, they now have a 2-1 series lead. As frustrating as it is, although Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman might have been the best player on the ice, Brad Marchand emerged as the most critical player. He broke a tie midway through the third period with a crucial goal and later sealed the win with an empty-netter.Â
Maple Leafs in 2-1 Hole to Bruins After Game 3 Loss
April 25, 2024 by Spencer Lazary
Another day, another playoff game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. This one was a bit different through the first 30 minutes of the contest, with tight-checking, lockdown hockey. However, as soon as the Maple Leafs could find the back of the net, the game opened up.Â
Maple Leafs Test William Nylander for Concussion Concern
April 25, 2024 by Jim Parsons
While the hope is William Nylander will be available for Game 4 of the playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins, some information is surfacing regarding what’s been ailing the dynamic forward. According to reports, the issues might be head-related, specifically, a migraine that caused the organization to be concerned that he may be dealing with concussion problems.
Brad Marchand’s Antics Should Motivate the Maple Leafs
April 25, 2024 by Karine Hains
The NHL Playoffs may be played on the ice, but teams aren’t just trying to score more goals than their opponents, they’re also trying to get into their heads. Sometimes it happens naturally when a goalie is on a roll and becomes unbeatable in the mind of the other team’s players, think Jaroslav Halak during the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins series in the spring of 2010.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Top-20 Goal Scorers All-Time
April 25, 2024 by Spencer Lazary
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been around for more than a century. With 100 plus years of history, they have had several characters and numerous Hall of Fame players. Many of the franchise’s best players had extended careers with the team, racking up significant statistics. Here are the top-20 highest goal-scorers for the blue and white.
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Bruins Take Game 3, Grab Home Ice Back From the Maple Leafs
April 24, 2024 by Jim Bay
Brad Marchand had two goals and an assist to lead the Boston Bruins to a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday (April 24) and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Maple Leafs’ Communication Missteps Lead to Nylander Speculation
April 24, 2024 by The Old Prof
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their quest for the Stanley Cup, the mystery surrounding William Nylander’s absence from the lineup deepens. Elliotte Friedman is one hockey analyst who has been critical of how the organization has handled the situation. He believes the team could have been more transparent in how it released the news -— or, more accurately, failed to release it — than it has been. As a result, fans and analysts alike have been left puzzled and increasingly frustrated.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Samsonov, Marner & Nylander
April 24, 2024 by The Old Prof
After splitting the first two games in Boston, the Toronto Maple Leafs are back on home ice tonight, looking to capitalize on the momentum from their latest win. With star forward Auston Matthews leading the charge with an amazing Game 2, Toronto has a huge opportunity to take some control of this Eastern Conference first-round series.
Nylander, Matthews Game 3 Status Updates for Maple Leafs
April 24, 2024 by Jim Parsons
There are plenty of questions surrounding William Nylander heading into Game 3 for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Will he play? What’s his injury situation? Why is he practicing and not in games? Some of those questions got answers, but new questions arose as Auston Matthews wasn’t on the ice in the morning.
Max Domi Can Be Maple Leafs’ Difference-Maker vs. Bruins
April 24, 2024 by Karine Hains
Playoff hockey is not for the faint of heart and while talent is a must, postseason play requires more than that. It requires grit and dedication. Under Kyle Dubas, the Maple Leafs assembled a team that oozes talent but lacks character and physicality. Last season, Toronto was finally able to get out of the first round, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games after falling at the first hurdle time and time again. The Maple Leafs hadn’t won a series before last year’s triumph over the Bolts since 2004, just short of 20 years.
Matthews’ Star Performance Was the Catalyst for Maple Leafs Game 2 Win
April 24, 2024 by Lukas Bernasiewicz
Heading into Game 2 in TD Garden, the Toronto Maple Leafs knew they needed to win this game to get back in this series. They needed to lean on the core of their team, the leaders in their forward core. Their ask was answered by the best goal scorer in the league as Auston Matthews took over Game 2 and was the biggest reason why Toronto is leaving Boston with a 1-1 split heading back home for their game in Toronto on Wednesday.
Maple Leafs’ Physical Play Has Been a Double-Edged Sword
April 24, 2024 by Corey Abbott
The matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins was expected to be among the more physical first-round series of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It has not disappointed in that regard through the first two games. The Maple Leafs had a 52-51 edge over the Bruins in Game 1, which included a whopping 48 hits between the two clubs in the first period alone. That mark matched the highest total recorded in any period over the entirety of the 2023-24 regular season, equaling a contest between the Maple Leafs and Bruins on March 7. The Bruins hold a 103-97 edge in the hit department going into Game 3 on Wednesday (April 24).Â