2023-05-11 01:45:14
Backed into the wall, the Maple Leafs no longer had room for error. Another defeat at Sunrise and everyone would have quickly forgotten that they had managed to reach the second round for the first time since 2004. Last night at the FLA Live Arena, the Torontonians avoided the affront of a sweep by taking the measure of the Panthers by the score of 2 to 1.
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To hope to survive at least two more days, the Leafs needed the contribution of its four guns: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares. Described as invisible men by the Toronto press, they responded in the best possible way.
Nylander and Marner hit the target, scoring the first two goals for the targeted quartet in this confrontation.
Nylander took advantage of a lucky pounce on the official to open the scoring on a power play early in the second period.
As for Marner, accomplice of his teammate’s goal, he thwarted Sergei Bobrovsky thanks to a shot from the point halfway through the third period.
Speaking of Marner, he was in all the fights. Massive attack, numerical inferiority. In addition to his two points, he aborted opposing attacks and distributed four checks. No wonder Sheldon Keefe used it profusely (21 mins 23s).
Tavares perfect
The stakes were high for Leafs players. And we felt them nervous until the Swede opened the scoring. From then on, they became more comfortable in possession of the puck.
Moreover, Tavares might have added his touch at the end of the second period by appearing alone in front of Bobrovsky. The Panthers goaltender had the last laugh.
It was one of five shots fired by the Leafs captain in that game. Of note, he finished the night with a faceoff win percentage of 100% (7 of 7).
Even Matthews sacrifices himself
To increase their chances of bringing regarding a fifth game at home, the Torontonians had to demonstrate a certain sense of urgency. And not just in the opposing zone.
Due to the upper body injury suffered by Ilya Samsonov in Game 3, Joseph Woll got the first start of his playoff career. He was the first Leafs rookie goaltender to start a game in the spring tournament since Felix Potvin in 1993.
His teammates made sure to lend him a hand. In front of him, they blocked a total of 22 shots. Even Matthews sacrificed himself on three occasions.
The 24-year-old goaltender did the rest of the work turning aside 24 shots. Sam Reinhart was the only one to deceive his vigilance. This goal scored during a numerical superiority gave rise to an exciting end to the match.
It’s up to Tkachuk to play
Obviously, no one expected the Leafs to be shown the exit door in four games. Starting with the Panthers players.
In the morning, no one in the locker room of the premises wanted to hear the word “sweep”. No more than we wanted to talk regarding the dryness of Matthews and company.
Moreover, Matthew Tkachuk cut short the discussions by reminding members of the media present at the morning training that he, too, had not hit the target since the start of this confrontation.
He will have the opportunity to remedy the situation in Game 5, scheduled for Friday in Toronto.
First period
No goal
Penalties: Holl (goal) 18:06
Second period
1-Tor: William Nylander (3)
(Bunting, Marner)AN-3:29
Punishments: Monasterinen (Flo) 2:12, Barkov (Flo) 8:22, Brodie (Tor) 12:53
Third period
2-Tor: Mitchell Marner (3)
(McCabe)10:03
3-Flo: Sam Reinhart (6)
(Tkachuk, Bennett)AN-12:14
Penalties: Kerfoot (Tor) 11:10
Shoot to the net
Toronto 6 – 15 – 5 – 26Floride 7 – 9 – 10 – 26
Guardians:
Thr: Joseph Woll (G, 1-1) Flo: Sergei Bobrovsky (P, 6-2)
Numerical advantages:
Tor: 1 en 2, Flo: 1 en 3
Referees:
Jon McIsaac, Gord Dwyer
Linesmen:
Michel Cormier, Devin Berg
ASSISTANCE:
19 868
1683780221
#NHL #playoffs #Leafs #hold #Panthers
