BREAKING: Maple Leafs Face Game 6 Pressure as Power Play Dries Up; Ottawa Still Alive After Two Series-Saving Victories
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: CAN THEY EVERY CLUTCH UP AND END PLAYOFF STRUGGLES?
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TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar yet uncomfortable position: one win away from advancing, yet struggling to close the deal. Their 1-13 record in the last 14 potential series-clinching games tells a story of heartbreak and missed opportunities, with their star-studded core taking center stage in each of those meltdowns.
A RECAP OF THE PAIN
- 2018: Lost Game 7 against the Boston Bruins, with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly all playing significant roles.
- 2019: Lost Games 6 and 7 to the same Bruins, once again with their homegrown talents taking the ice.
- 2021: The Montreal Canadiens mounted a 3-1 series comeback, ousting Toronto with their star players watching.
- 2022: The Tampa Bay Lightning dieted twice from elimination, ultimately winning Game 7 in Toronto.
- 2024: History repeated itself with a third Game 7 loss to the Bruins in six years.
THE CURRENT STANDOFF
Five games into their Eastern Conference First Round series against the Ottawa Senators, the Maple Leafs have squandered two chances to put away their division rival. With a 3-2 series lead, all eyes are on Game 6 at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, TVAS, TBS, MAX).
THE POWER PLAY DROUGHT
Toronto’s power play, once a formidable force, has gone ice cold. After scoring all five of their man-advantage goals with a five-forward first unit in the first three games, the Leafs have gone 0-for-8 with two short-handed goals against in the last two games. They’re now 0-for-30 on the power play in their 1-13 skid in crucial games.
"We’re kind of forcing some stuff," Auston Matthews admitted. "We’ve just got to get back to simplicity and outnumbering guys to the net."
GOALTENDING CONTROVERSIES
From Linus Ullmark’s shaky start to his inspiring shutout, the goaltending saga has been a rollercoaster. Despite coach Craig Berube’s reassurances, the question marks remain, and the Leafs must collectively provide more offensive support.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Leafs face a must-win Game 6 situation, armed with recent memories of failure but also the resilience to rebound.
"We’ve got to go into a building and play our best game," Mitch Marner said. "We’ve been a good road team all year. So, we have confidence in this group."
DID YOU KNOW?
The Maple Leafs have not advanced past the first round since the 2003-04 season, when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
PRO TIP: LESSONS FROM THE PAST
Historically, successful playoff teams have exhibited strong leadership, adaptability, and mental toughness in the face of adversity. Toronto’s core needs to channel their collective experience, learn from previous mistakes, and embrace the Manitoba Moose-like mentality that served them well during the regular season.
FAQs
Q: Is this finally the year the Maple Leafs break their playoff curse?
A: It’s too early to tell, but their inability to close out series has been a persistent issue. They’ll have to buck that trend to move on.
Q: How much blame should be placed on the goaltending situation?
A: Goaltending has been a factor, but it’s not solely to blame. The Leafs’ offensive struggles and defensive lapse on the penalty kill have also contributed significantly to their recent losses.
Q: Can the Maple Leafs replicate their regular-season road success in the playoffs?
A: Historically, road success in the regular season doesn’t always translate to playoff success. However, the Leafs’ ability to keep their focus and play their game away from home will be crucial.
READERS’ QUESTION: CAN THE MAPLE LEAFS BREAK THE CYCLE AND ADVANCE?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s hope for an exciting Game 6 that sees the Maple Leafs finally clinch a series victory!
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