Sorry Panthers fans: don’t sweep you.
Mitch Marner’s third-period goal was the game-winner as the Leafs edged past the Panthers 2-1 to avoid elimination and force Game 5 Friday night in Toronto.
For the first time in the series, the Core Four appeared on the board. William Nylander started the scoring on the power play 3:29 into the second frame with his third of the postseason. Then, at 10:03 of the third period, Marner also buried his third of the playoff to go along with an assist he got into the Nylander tuck. Both players had seven match droughts in the process.
Sam Reinhart would score on the power play a few minutes after Marner scored to make it 2-1, but that’s as close as the Panthers could get.
In his first career start in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Joseph Wall made 24 stops for the win. Once again, Sergey Bobrovsky was connected to putting out 23 Maple Leaf shots. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner allowed two goals in each of the first four games of the series. Conversely, the Leafs have now scored two goals in six straight outings dating back to the first round against Tampa.
So, you’re telling me there’s a chance?
Mozy Bakery:
low start
Honestly, all things considered after all that was in Game 3, I was really excited to get going in Toronto on Wednesday night. More importantly, they were committed and dedicated to defense, which is always a good thing, especially when you have a goalkeeper starting his first career in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Speaking of which, I thought Joseph Wall made some important saves late in the period for the Florida Athletics. It’s been a great story this season, like never before. As far as I’m concerned, it’s here to stay.
Defensive buy
This is as close as I’ve seen the Leafs defensively in weeks (and that includes the Tampa Series). Not only did they play with detail and purpose, but they played as one cohesive whole. On top of that, they did a great job cleaning up the pizza/food bits I put them in this hole to begin with. In addition, the shot blocking was elite. They worked hard to hit every tweak possible, especially in PK. The penalty killers were fantastic and deserve a lot of credit for standing tall. That’s winning hockey right there, folks. Shout out to Luke Shane and Mark Giordano specifically; Both were great.
Joseph Wall
For someone who started his first career in the postseason in a potential playoff game, the 24-year-old seemed like an option up there. It’s composure that gets me. This is another thing that performs like this in a pressure cooker with the season on the line. Credit to the team in front of him too. They’ve done a lot of encouraging things, ones they can definitely build on when looking forward to Game 5 on Friday night.
assignment
As I routinely mention, I’ve never been Mr. Bash’s ref man. I don’t envy the party, that’s for sure. That said, I cannot for the life of me understand how the Panthers went nearly 110 minutes into the series without taking a penalty. Besides, I think it was only fitting to see the Leafs score this way (a coincidence bouncing off referee Gord Dwyer) after receiving the power play at the end. This sequence was proof that the hockey gods never miss a turnaround.
Fourth core
The Core Four came to play, so it’s really no surprise that this series is headed to Game 5 on Friday night in Toronto. From the opening puck drop, they were engaged and ready to go. William Nylander led the charge with a 1-0 goal in the second period before Mitch Marner added some insurance in the third with an eye-catching point shot. It’s amazing how simple the game can be when your superstars perform like superstars. For me, the important thing here is that they gained some much-needed confidence on Wednesday night and, in theory, that could finally help ignite the attack completely. Auston Matthews and John Tavares deserve each.
Night highlight:
Michi!!!! pic.twitter.com/iOdFKbQ5To
– Toronto Maple Leafs (MapleLeafs) May 11, 2023
What then?
Florida leads the series 3-1. Game 5 kicks off Friday night at the Scotiabank Arena.
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