The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a tough spot. Following a 3-1 loss in Game 4, the Toronto based side are on the verge of elimination. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has dropped a bold take regarding the ‘Core 4‘ of the team.
The ‘Core 4‘ consisting of team captain John Tavares, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Auston Matthews have not been able to contribute much in the playoffs. Game 4 also saw tempers boil on the bench between Matthews, Marner and Nylander.
As per Friedman, a loss on Tuesday at the TD Garden in Boston, will be “the end” of this group. He shared this thoughts while speaking at the 32 Thoughts podcast.
They’ve been together basically since 2016-17, and we’ve never seen that (snapping at each other) before from them. And to see it in this moment, there’s only two ways to go. One is you just completely falter...Or two, you rally and you use it as a point where you come back...there really is no other option for them than to do that because this is the end for this group if they don’t pull off the big comeback here. Elliotte Friedman said.
Friedman further went on to state how Marner and Tavares both have only one more year on their contract left. With the spotlight currently on Marner due to his performances, he could be the one, the Leafs end up trading instead of losing him for free. Only time will tell though what consequences will be on the ‘Core 4‘ if they suffer an early elimination.
Elliotte Friedman reveals insights on Auston Matthews’ illness
One of the biggest topics during Game 4 between the Bruins and Maple Leafs was the absence of Auston Matthews. The star forward missed the game due to a mysterious illness. His loss proved to be a major factor in the team’s loss. Elliotte Friedman would later reveal insights regarding this illness of him.
As per reports, Matthews was originally said to be down with some food poisoning or some viral infection. However, it now seems the situation could be much worse following the insights from Maple Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe.
It is weird here, The rumor was food poisoning or some kind of viral bug. But listening to Sheldon Keefe talk on Sunday. It sounds like now they're not really sure or it's worse than they thought. Elliotte Friedman said.
His absence from practice on Monday has raised concerns among the Leafs fans. Matthews, who has scored 70 goals this season, might not be available for selection in Game 5. This absence of him could be a major blow for the Leafs as they hope to keep their season alive on Tuesday night.
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