“We’re not yelling at each other because we hate each other. We just want to be all on the same page to help each other out.”
Mitch Marner on the Maple Leafs showing frustration on the bench during Game 4. pic.twitter.com/OSIQePEsA6
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 28, 2024
I know, the series isn’t over, but seriously, after yesterday’s loss, do you honestly believe the Leafs can win three games in a row?
The way the Leafs played yesterday, it’s over, and as expected, the Leafs are “choking” once again, even though they seem to have an excellent club.
Everyone is fed up with this kind of unacceptable performance, from the fans booing their team to the team’s star players.
In fact, after the Bruins’ third goal late in the second period, you could see the stars on the Maple Leafs’ bench really in a tizzy.
“Stop f*ucking crying bro”.
“Stop fucking crying bro…”
– Nylander to Marner.
Things are going great here.
pic.twitter.com/J3eJhEe5xX– Dean Blundell (@ItsDeanBlundell) April 28, 2024
It’s a very direct commentary on Leafs number 16, who has been severely criticized (with good reason) since the start of the playoffs for his lack of involvement and multiple bad plays.
The m*rde is completely pogné between the Leafs’ stars, even though Marner explained after the game that they don’t yell at each other because they don’t like each other.
I understand that emotional words like these can be sent out, but the fact remains that it’s clear the Leafs players are fed up and frustrated, even with each other.
In arguably their biggest game of the season, the Maple Leafs created just one high-danger scoring chance (and Mitch Marner scored on it).
The Bruins had six high-danger scoring chances in Game 4. pic.twitter.com/fN6DUcTuqg– Meghan Chayka (@MeghanChayka) April 28, 2024
Enough about Mitch Marner, who could very well be on his way out of Toronto this summer, let’s talk about Auston Matthews.
The Leafs’ best player, who scored 69 goals in the regular season, didn’t play in the third period. He never returned to the bench after returning to the dressing room at the end of the second period.
Sheldon Keefe confirms that Auston Matthews was pulled by doctors in relation to the illness that he’s been dealing with. pic.twitter.com/FxAW1TnVqm
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 28, 2024
I don’t know about you, but I find it rather odd that the team’s best player should be withdrawn in a game as crucial as this one.
I understand that we have to respect the opinion of the team doctors, but there’s something wrong in my head.
He’s played two periods like that, surely he can play a third.
Anyway, let’s change the subject.
Let’s talk about Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe now.
Keefe said after the match that he couldn’t fault his players for their effort.
Sheldon Keefe on the Maple Leafs’ performance in Game 4 vs. the Bruins. pic.twitter.com/3QU5UOF1s0
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 28, 2024
This has literally been the Leafs’ problem for I don’t know how many years, the lack of effort and intensity, especially in the playoffs.
Doesn’t he want to alienate his players?
I think it’s already too late, Mr. Keefe, especially after he said at the end of the season that the possible 70-goal plateau for Matthews was a distraction for the whole team, which explains the losses at the end of the season.
In short, Keefe is clearly on his way out of Toronto once again, and we shouldn’t be surprised to see him fired in the off-season, despite his two-year contract extension until 2026.
The status of Guy Boucher, the Leafs’ current assistant coach, will also be something to keep an eye on. He could very well be fired too.
Will he get a coaching job elsewhere in the NHL, even if he’s not an English-speaking Canadian?
Honestly, it’s really messing up the Leafs once again, but this time, I really believe it’s the end of the Leafs as we currently know them.
Johnston: This is the end of the Maple Leafs as we know them https://t.co/SK3ycIXEPp
– Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) April 28, 2024
En Rafale
– Indeed.
Jeremy Swayman vs. Ilya Samsonov is not a fair fight. https://t.co/JoaBYiuKiw
– Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) April 28, 2024
– Here’s another powerful comment from one teammate to another in recent years.
“Shut the fuck up… I’ll fucking kill you” ????
Avs have a fun team… mysterious arrests, screaming and blaming each other, all while Nate is shoving veggies down your throat… pic.twitter.com/aY4Cu8Bb38– Abba Oil (@Adam_B888) April 27, 2024
– Doesn’t look like it.
SIMMONS SAYS: Hasn’t Boston kicked sand in the face of Toronto long enough? https://t.co/PFvxm9P3pF pic.twitter.com/thzdCsWjqM
– Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) April 28, 2024
– A very fine performance.
Despite the loss in Game 3, Logan Thompson tied the Golden Knights franchise record for most saves in a playoff game (43).#NHL | #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/ZQcE6muDQ1
– Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) April 28, 2024
– A big point on the road for CF Montreal.
Big point on the road
Stats after 90 in Columbus. #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/wya5MKTjHm
– CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) April 28, 2024