As always, the Leafs have their backs against the wall ahead of Saturday’s do-or-die game in Florida. Ryan Cook shares his best plays in our Saturday NHL Tips!
Game 6 – FLA Leads 3-2
It’s panic stations back in Toronto as the Leafs suddenly face an elimination game after once leading this series 2-0.
Thursday’s Game 5 was an absolute disaster from start to finish, Toronto losing 6-1 on home ice with a good chunk of the arena departing before the third period.
Finishing 0/3 on the power play and giving the puck away 21 times didn’t help, but on the plus side, the Leafs did match the Panthers in terms of shots, while they are still getting bodies in front of the net to help Joseph Woll out.
It sounds as though No. 1 goalie Anthony Stolarz won’t be available, but Woll is capable of sending this series to a decider if he plays like he did in Game 4.
Is this Leafs team different? We’re about to find out. But after answering the bell when times got tough against the Sens in the first round, this is the spot guys like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies have to step up.