Postgame Report: It was 3-1... Maple Leafs Complete the Comeback
Welcome to my Toronto Maple Leafs postgame report where I give you my thoughts, feelings, and analysis about each Leafs game. Whether you missed the game or want my opinion on what transpired, I’ve got you covered.
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Now, onto the Maple Leafs game versus the Lightning!
1st Period - Leafs Finally Score First, Samsonov Pulled & A New Checking Line?
My first key to the game for the Maple Leafs versus the Lightning was that the Leafs needed to score first. Well, they did! Nylander got them on the board early, which had Leafs Land buzzing. However, it didn’t last long. The Lightning stormed back and scored three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead to end the period.
Samsonov’s early season struggles continue... Unfortunately, being a goalie is one of the hardest jobs in the NHL. He gave up three goals on four shots and got the hook. That’s not to say that he was completely at fault for all of the goals, but you can argue that he does need to be better. The second Kucherov goal that came on the Jake McCabe penalty was one of those goals that no goalie in the NHL could have stopped. With that said, Joseph Woll came in and seems to have settled things down. This could be one of the games that could work in Woll’s favour to take over the crease.
In the last game against the Florida Panthers, it seemed that Sheldon Keefe may have over-coached and juggled the lines too much. However, in this game, he may have found his new checking line. The team called up Pontus Holmberg and slotted him into the fourth-line center role, which means David Kampf moved up to the third line alongside Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok. This line could turn out to be very good. Domi tends to struggle defensively, but Jarnkrok and Kampf don't, and this could be what makes the line work. Only time will tell, but Keefe could have finally found Domi a line that he can do well and find his role with the team.
2nd Period - Early Offensive Struggles & Penalty Trouble
Early offensive struggles say it all. The team looks out of sync, which makes sense because of the changes that were made to the team this offseason. Unfortunately, this just isn’t good enough for a team that looked so good offensively throughout the first two games. The team needs to make things more difficult for the opposing goaltender. Yes, they get a ton of shots on the net, but at least 60% of those shots are from low-danger zones. We have seen in the past that floating shots from the point can find a way into the net, but we also need to see the team get set up in the zone and get bodies in front to make it harder on the goalie.
The last two games have been penalty-filled, which can take the flow out of the game. Some teams can still find a way to overcome this, but the Maple Leafs are not one of those teams. They need flow, they need pace, and they need possession. These things come when you can get your four lines rolling with regular shifts. What happens when the flow is messed up is that players like Domi sit for long periods. It causes him to get out of the game, and it takes him longer to get back into the flow of the game. The Maple Leafs need to play more disciplined, which will inevitably help with their offensive woes.
3rd Period - Knies and Domi Force the Tie
Well, after all that talking about the Maple Leads juggling lines, it finally worked. Somehow, out of nowhere, Domi and Knies have instant chemistry together and lead the charge to tie the game at three. A lot of people in Leafs Nation have been talking about Domi and where he fits, including myself in this post-game report. We now know the answer, at least for now. He, Kampf, and Knies completely changed the game and forced it to overtime.
Joseph Woll—what more can be said about him? He is an absolute stud; he came into the game in the first to replace Samsonov, who gave up three goals on four shots and shut the door on Tampa. I wasn’t a believer at first, but after watching him tonight, I do believe that he could take over the crease. I would give him the start in the next game on Oct. 24, 2023, against the Washington Capitals.
Overtime - Maple Leafs Win It
Due to the extra period, you all get a bit more in this post-game report. However, it won’t be much because my thoughts on overtime are as follows: complete dominance from the drop of the puck. Tampa didn’t even register a shot in OT; Toronto controlled the pace of play and showed the Lightning who truly is better. If the Maple Leafs played like this all game, it most likely would have been a blowout.
Final Thoughts:
Joseph Woll should be given the start against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 24
Domi, Kampf and Knies need to stay together
The Maple Leafs need to stop taking penalties so far from their net
Holmberg’s performance tonight could mean Minten gets sent back to Kamloops of the WHL this week