Leafs End Preseason On High Note As Matthews, Bobrovsky & Mckenna Impress
Locked On Leafs - Daily Podcast On The Toronto Maple LeafsShow Notes
The Maple Leafs put a bow on the preseason with a pair of wins over the Ottawa Senators — and the final tune-up gave us plenty to talk about. Mike DiStefano and Dave Morasuti break down Toronto’s 6-1 win at Scotiabank Arena, including another strong performance from Auston Matthews, who showed his burst, conviction and willingness to shoot while finding the scoresheet again. Gavin McKenna also continued to flash his elite skill, picking up his first preseason assist, while Easton Cowan stood out with his puck-carrying, playmaking and north-south game. The guys also dive into Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance — and whether there is any real debate left about who should be Toronto’s No. 1 goalie. Bobrovsky made a huge glove save on Tim Stützle and looked composed whenever Ottawa tested him, strengthening the belief that he could take the bulk of the starts this season. Plus, a look at Morgan Rielly and Darren Raddysh, the Leafs’ final blue-line decisions, Emil Andrae seemingly losing ground in the battle for a roster spot, and Toronto’s decision to ditch the traditional Muskoka trip for a team-bonding trip to Arizona.
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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.
David Morassutti breaks down the Maple Leafs' collapse against the Buffalo Sabres after Toronto surrendered a 4–2 lead. He examines Jim Hiller's decision to shift to a defensive approach, the controversial reduction in Gavin McKenna's ice time and Kirill Marchenko's career night that went unrewarded. David also discusses Toronto's ongoing blue-line concerns with Chris Tanev out week to week, the team's trade for Aatu Räty and the challenges facing the Leafs as they prepare to host the New York Islanders on Saturday.