The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-3 on Saturday because to a solid defensive effort that featured Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, they were unable to replicate that success on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. The Leafs had a difficult time converting their opportunities despite having 45 shots overall and 25 in the first quarter, while the Devils’ limited opportunities were obvious and easy to take advantage of.
Does the Leafs defense core have what it takes to win in the postseason, particularly against a team like the Boston Bruins or the Florida Panthers, in light of yet another dubious performance? In an interview with Daily Faceoff Live, Luke Gazdic discussed the Leafs defense core and why, in his opinion, some people underestimate them.
Luke Gazdic: Well, I’m delighted you began with the Saturday game because, in my opinion, it was one of their strongest performances from beginning to end, particularly from their defense core. Teams rarely target Edmonton’s best players the way they did on Saturday night, and they did so right away. I felt it was a brilliant game plan by Morgan Rielly and Joel Edmundson to go after Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid mercilessly from the first shift.
Here in Toronto, the Edmundson pickup wasn’t well greeted. I believe that Ilya Lyubushkin’s popularity sprang from his ability to play with simplicity and the roughness that players desire in the back half of the game. I adore the Edmundson pickup, though. I’ll tell you what, playing against another outstanding veteran who has played some excellent postseason hockey was not enjoyable. It’s not fun working in corners and having him box you out in front of you.
Actually, I don’t mind their d-core. It’s clearly not perfect, and it hasn’t been the best thing for them all year. I believe that the goaltenders in Toronto bear the primary responsibility. I am aware that they employ a little more offensive system when playing in front of them. T.J. Brodie has endured a lot, in my opinion, but he has also received a lot of criticism here this year. Even though his hockey play hasn’t been at its greatest, he’s still a valuable veteran for them.
However, they need to find a hot goaltender here. Joseph Woll is receiving some games from them. He didn’t look good on the opening shot of the game last night. Good kid, puts in a lot of work, but he has to improve. Ilya Samsonov has performed admirably while he has been there. Even though he gave up the two power play goals in the third, I thought he played a fantastic game on Saturday. Martin Jones’ return and Matt Murray’s earlier this year helped to steady the crease. It would be amazing to witness one of these guys—likely Ilya—leave with this in the crease. If they can get some saves, I believe it will much improve the appearance of the d-core.
The entire episode may be viewed here.
