COWBOY HAS ARRIVED! Easton Cowan SHINES in Maple Leafs Win Over Islanders
Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple LeafsShow Notes
The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders — and Easton Cowan was the star of the show. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti break down Cowan’s outstanding performance, as he picked up an assist on Toronto’s opening goal before scoring the game-winner on the power play. His relentless forecheck, backchecking, puck battles and ability to create offense are making it harder and harder for Jim Hiller to keep him out of the top six. Anthony Stolarz was also outstanding in his season debut, stopping 26 of 27 shots and making several huge saves to preserve the victory. The guys also dive into Gavin McKenna’s second NHL game, Darren Raddysh’s bounce-back performance and why Toronto’s second power-play unit looked better than the star-studded first unit. But there is one major concern: Auston Matthews still hasn't scored in two games. Is it time to start worrying about the Leafs captain, or does he simply need more time to find his game with two brand-new linemates? Plus, the Leafs may not be done making moves. With Toronto opening up roughly $7 million in cap space, could John Chayka be preparing for another big addition — potentially on the blue line?
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David Morassutti is joined by Frank Stanisci to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' thrilling 5-4 win over the New York Rangers, capped by Troy Stecher's late game-winning goal. They discuss the fourth line's outstanding performance, Brandon Duhaime and Teddy Blueger stepping up offensively, Zack MacEwen's energy, and Easton Cowan's continued development. Plus, they examine Gavin McKenna's limited ice time, what the Leafs' growing chemistry says about their evolving identity, and preview the Western Canadian road trip, starting with a major showdown against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
David Morassutti welcomes James from Offside Hockey Talk to discuss whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are finally turning the corner after a difficult start to the season. They examine Auston Matthews' improved play, the importance of building chemistry under a shortened preseason, and why Easton Cowan's emergence could make him too valuable to trade. Plus, a preview of the matchup against the New York Rangers, a debate over whether Nashville defenceman Brady Skjei would fit Toronto's plans, and the latest NHL discussion surrounding Brady Tkachuk and Connor Hellebuyck.
David Morassutti is joined by guest host Michael Mazzei to break down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving Toronto back-to-back victories. They discuss Easton Cowan's shorthanded goal and growing role, Morgan Rielly's three-assist performance, Kirill Marchenko's return to Columbus and Marshall Rifai scoring his first NHL goal. They also examine the encouraging update on Jake McCabe, the Leafs' strong penalty kill and their need to stay disciplined. The episode wraps up with NHL news, including Dylan Larkin's expanded trade list, Connor Hellebuyck's situation in Winnipeg and Brady Tkachuk's matchup against Florida.
David Morassutti breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, which snapped their three-game losing streak. He highlights Sergei Bobrovsky's best performance as a Leaf, Auston Matthews' three-point night, Nick Paul's strong two-way effort and Gavin McKenna's go-ahead goal. Despite the victory, Toronto's five-on-five defensive play remains a concern. David also previews the matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Kirill Marchenko facing his former team and Matthew Knies going up against the Leafs for the first time since the trade.
David Morassutti breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders as their losing streak reaches three games. He examines the team's defensive-zone breakdowns, explains why Sergei Bobrovsky shouldn't shoulder the blame, and discusses the struggles of Morgan Rielly and Troy Stecher. David also looks at Toronto's need for more depth scoring, Vinny Lettieri's potential call-up, and Elliotte Friedman's report that the Leafs are willing to move premium assets for a difference-maker on defence. The episode wraps up with a preview of the Sharks' visit to Toronto, featuring Macklin Celebrini.