Leafs Must Reset, Focus on Themselves for Game 2

There’s an adage in golf that, in essence, is used to help players simplify the game if they’re overthinking things. “Play golf, not golf swing” is a reminder to focus on the shot in front of you, not the mechanics and actions that go into that shot. When you get over the ball and are ready to swing, it should all be instinctual and athletic. That’s how I felt about the Leafs’ performance in game one on Saturday night. It seemed like they were so focused on playing what they thought was ‘playoff hockey’ that they lost all ability to just play their game. Admittedly, the analogy doesn’t translate entirely, but I hope you understand my point. The Leafs team that played in game one did not look like the one that played 82 games before. T

They played right into the Bruins’ hands, focused on imposing themselves physically and taking silly penalties instead. The Leafs, at their best, are a team that dominates possession of the puck, forechecks very effectively, and likes to play North-South hockey, not East-West. That means they’re going forward when they get the puck, attacking the defence and trying to gain zone entry with clean possession. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of that on Saturday night. The team was careless with the puck, consistently making unforced turnovers, and a few players appeared unprepared for the speed of playoff hockey. The Leafs did have quite a few more shots and dangerous chances than the Bruins. However, other than Auston Matthews hitting the post, it’s hard to remember a real grade-A chance that Toronto had and missed on.

Without William Nylander in the lineup, the Leafs needed a big performance from their second line. The line has two players making eight digits a year: John Tavares and Mitch Marner. They did not perform. At five on five, the two of them and Matthew Knies generated just three shots of goal, and none were particularly threatening. Yet again, Marner becomes an entirely different version of himself once the playoffs begin. He shows similar habits to those in years past, retreating with the puck, being afraid to move his feet, and generally allowing himself to get suffocated by the lack of space in playoff hockey. The best, most elite players in the world make a stamp on the game no matter what. Even Matthews on Saturday was quite noticeable and should have had a goal.

On the other hand, Marner cannot fight through the game if it becomes difficult for him. He lets the other team turn him into a ghost. There were times in game one when I forgot he was playing. Certainly, Tavares did not give him much help, but at this point, I’m not sure how much we can expect from #91. The team needs him to find some magic around the net because if he’s not finishing off chances in tight, he’s not really all that valuable of a hockey player. I won’t wholly write these two off yet. That’d be silly. But I am done expecting them, especially Marner, to turn into someone we haven’t seen before. A tiger doesn’t change his stripes; in this case, an overpaid pass-first winger doesn’t change his stripes come playoff time. The return of Nylander would be massive for them to take some attention away, but that should not have to be the case.

It was apparent to anyone paying attention that if this series came down to special teams and goaltending, the Bruins would run Toronto over. That proved true in game one. Ignoring the quality of refereeing, the Leafs took some bad penalties, and their penalty kill isn’t good enough to sustain a game with many penalties. They looked disorganized and disoriented when a man was down, leading to two power-play goals for Boston.

The goaltending battle is something Toronto has to be worried about. Jeremy Swayman owns the Leafs and was nearly impeccable on Saturday. It’s almost sad to say that it would be a relief if last year’s Vezina Trophy winner, Linus Ullmark, were in the net for game two, but it seems likely. Ilya Samsonov wasn’t good, and even if you don’t think he’s at fault for any of the four goals scored on him, saving 19 of 23 shots is not good enough at this time of year. He’ll be the starter again for game two, and while I’d like to see Joseph Woll get a shot, I think giving Samsonov one more chance is necessary. If the Leafs lose again, at least you can go back home and know you’re making a goalie switch in front of your fans. If Woll gets thrown in now and has a rough game in a challenging environment, the series could be over before you even play a game in Toronto. It was also a tough game for the Buds’ two best defensemen. Jake McCabe and Morgan Rielly didn’t play well, and being behind for most of the game meant they had to press a little harder. It didn’t work. They’ll be better in game two.

Speaking of game two, the Blue and White should be encouraged by the fact that they were able to get so many chances on Swayman despite not playing their best game. I maintain that this Bruins team is there for the taking, and Toronto needs to work on sustaining offensive pressure. They cannot allow Boston to score an early goal and sink into their shell. Of course, the first goal is integral, but just keeping the game tied for a more extended period could potentially open up some transition offence for the Leafs, which is where they thrive.

The William Nylander situation is bewildering and frustrating. If you think he’s being soft or it is his choice not to play, you’re a moron. The guy played every single game this season. He’s as competitive as they come. He was skating this morning but didn’t take consistent line rushes. He seems to be a game-time decision tonight. He is the Leafs’ second-best player. I don’t need to tell you how important he is. But, man, they look like a different team without him.

One of the main questions I got after the game was regarding how much ice time Calle Jarnkrok got. The Swede was also on the first power play unit despite this being his first game back in weeks. It was definitely odd. Sheldon Keefe has always loved Jarnkrok, and he’s a nice player, but he’s also got two goals in his last 24 playoff games. He’s not a guy you put on PP1 when you have Tyler Bertuzzi waiting on the bench. Based on practice, it seems that Keefe understood his mistake and will put Bertuzzi with the big boys for game two.

If the Leafs can get back to playing their game and not take silly penalties, I expect a big response in game two. They got blown out in game one last year against Tampa, and I think that woke them up. Here’s hoping history repeats.

Go Leafs Go.