The Toronto Maple Leafs might have the same elite scoring from the Core Four, but they are a far different team this season than they’ve been. My prediction is that—win or lose—they will play the Boston Bruins tougher during this postseason series than they played during their loss to the Florida Panthers last season. They might not win the series but will not be pushed around.
I’ve noted this season that the Maple Leafs show up in the scrums that inevitably happen during games. These scrums are especially dominant during the postseason, sort of like rutting season for elk. Both teams—like two big elk—are trying to establish their dominance over territory.
This season, the Maple Leafs will be the bigger elk.
The Maple Leafs Remember Last Season’s Playoffs
In reflecting on last season’s disappointing playoff exit against the Panthers, a troubling image remains—the sight of Sam Bennett body-slamming rookie Matthew Knies, knocking him out of the playoffs with a concussion. Even worse, all this happened without any significant response from the Maple Leafs. This lack of physical pushback has long been a sore point for Maple Leafs fans, stretching back to eras of iconic tough players like Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour. Interestingly, one of the players who has taken to physical response has been Knies.
General Manager Brad Treliving’s offseason emphasis on injecting the team with “snot” and “vinegar” was tested early when Boston Bruins agitator Brad Marchand injured Timothy Liljegren with a questionable play last November. Once again, the Maple Leafs failed to respond physically, drawing widespread embarrassment and criticism. Head coach Sheldon Keefe hated every minute of his team’s lack of physical response. You can bet he’ll be calling for more responses this season.
This Season’s Maple Leafs Team Differs from Last Season’s
However, the Maple Leafs have undergone a notable transformation since that incident. The team has embraced a new ethos of standing up for one another, led by enforcer Ryan Reaves and others like Max Domi. Yet, even John Tavares is involved in more of these scrums. He’s asserting a physical side I have not seen previously.
These days, any attack on a Toronto player is met with a collective response from teammates. These include Reaves, Domi, Simon Benoit, (even) Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, or Tyler Bertuzzi. While they may not intimidate opponents with physical dominance, the important shift signals the new solidarity among teammates, fostering a stronger bond and a more unified approach on the ice.
This renewed team mentality and willingness to defend one another could make a crucial difference against the Bruins. With a more physical and united Maple Leafs squad, the team is better equipped to face physical challenges and respond assertively. This will ensure a more competitive, hard-fought playoff series against their Atlantic Division rival.
Look for a tough series against the Bruins, with the Maple Leafs coming out on top of the physical battles. Whether they win or lose is another matter, but this team won’t be beaten up any longer.
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