Embarrassed the previous day by the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Toronto Maple Leafs ignored it when they returned to their training complex on Monday, preferring to worry that their chances of winning their series now equaled 2-2 are still very real.
For me, it doesn’t matter how we lost last night. We lost, that’s all. Now we have to move on and move on. And so far we have always responded well after a defeatsaid head coach Sheldon Keefe.
We were not shaken last nighthe was careful to point out at the press briefing.
The Torontonians suffered a 7-3 correction at the hands of a team they themselves were convinced lost two days ago. Moreover, the peculiarity of the series – where each team dominates the other without either chaining two great battles – does not escape the players.
It’s weird, that’s for sure. I don’t think we’ve seen any other series like thisidentified defenseman Morgan Rielly.
As a group, I think we’ve still done some great things in recent games. We’re not too worried about the outcome of the last four duels or even the goal differencehe said.
What matters, he said above all, is that the series is tied after four games and the Maple Leafs will have the advantage of ice for more things.
The advantage of ice, the reward of a good time
The Maple Leafs finished the season five points ahead of the Lightning in the standings, which allowed them to start their home streak last week. Toronto as the highest ranked team, it can also count on the support of its supporters in games 5 and 7 as it will host Tampa.
But the advantage of ice cream does not just translate to the location of battles. Strategically, the home team also has the right to final change, i.e., it can send its players to the final battle and therefore adjust to the squads deployed by its opponents while they are unable to react.
In the playoffs, where confrontations between trios are very important, this can have a huge impact on the course of a match.
We now find ourselves in a best-of-three series where we will play two games at home. It can be beneficial to us, but we must take advantage of itsaid Rielly.
Ice at home alone won’t be enough for the Maple Leafs to bring down Tampa Bay. The proof: Lightning dominated the second game of the series that took place in Toronto. Conversely, the Maple Leafs also won Game 3 in Tampa.
Ultimately, the team that aspires the most will win this series.striker William Nylander said wisely.
His coach, who knows the benefits of playing at home, however, also wants to downplay the importance of the matter given to the Leafs opponent and what he has accomplished so far.
The advantage of ice is important. Yes, it can help us in many ways, in small details, but the depth they have in defense and in attack will soften the impact. Their 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines gave them very good minutes [de jeu] so far and they have given us trouble a few times in the series.
” We come to a point in the series where each team knows what to expect from the other. It’s just a matter of implementation. “
Star forward Auston Matthews should be able to enjoy a bit of playing time in Toronto because of the advantage of the latest substitution, he who was held in check in Tampa by the Lightning trio formed by Alex Killorn, Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli.
But he also doesn’t want to shy away from the issue, preferring to let his game speak for itself in the next few battles.
I think we should be confident, feel good at home here, with a good chance ahead of us.he said.
Matthews and linemates Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting were limited to one point each in Games 3 and 4 in Florida. Matthews and Marner scored five apiece in the first two games in Toronto. They could prove to be very explosive on Tuesday night.
Game 5 of the series between Maple Leafs and Lightning will begin at 7:30 pm (EDT) at Scotiabank Arena.
Source: Radio-Canada
