In the Stanley Cup playoffs, tradition dictates that solid play takes up more space than the regular season. Referees tend to turn a blind eye to more things, and the show as a whole is usually more rigorous.
So far, the series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning has not failed.
The two teams dominated in turn, the number of checks increased significantly, but refereeing was not what the Torontonians expected.
I think throughout the league there was a surprise in how the games were handledadmitted Leafs head coach, Sheldon Keefe, at his training complex Thursday.
Lots of penalties and power play. I haven’t watched or followed every game, but there seems to be a real increase in referee calls.
The Maple Leafs took six minor penalties on Monday and seven on Wednesday, a high number compared to the regular season when Toronto received nearly three such penalties per game. On Wednesday, the Leafs ’lack of discipline brought them victory as it allowed the Lightning to continue. Tampa scored three goals for a man advantage.
These are usually appeals for blocking, for example. Those things that we’re not used to seeing at this time of year, so it created a weird feeling than we expected, that’s for sure.he pointed out.
But with the series now moving to Florida for Games 3 and 4, the Torontonians think they’ve figured out where the new official limit is.
We need to stay focused. I think we already know the standard and it’s correct as well. We just need to make sure we play between the linessaid forward Auston Matthews.
In Wednesday’s defeat, the Maple Leafs were outscored by their opponents, but still had victory. The goal of Michael Bunting’s return reaffirmed Toronto’s top line of dominance. Mitch Marner also scored in the second straight game after 18 games without scoring a playoff goal. And Alex Kerfoot scored the second goal in so many shorthanded Leafs games.
We have identified many good things [lors du dernier match]. We must have confidence in our abilities. There are times when we often put too much pressure, take too many risks and give them too many chances, but in general we have to continue to believe that if we follow our plan and play like we did in the first game and in the first stage last night, everything will be fineassessed defender Mark Giordano.
Sheldon Keefe said he has yet to determine which team he will send into the fight on Friday night. Forward Kyle Clifford, who was suspended in Game 2, is available for return, as is veteran Jason Spezza, who was removed from the roster in the first two games.
Source: Radio-Canada
