NHL Insider changes quote from Leafs forward to try and create controversy ahead of Game 7
The Leafs have a golden opportunity to knock off the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night in Game 7 at home in front of a capacity crowd at Scotiabank Arena. However, certain members of the media would have you believe that the Leafs are on the ropes, and are panicked even before the puck has dropped.
On Saturday, following the Leafs' morning skate, several players were made available to speak with the media, William Nylander among them. The 26-year-old Swede was asked what the Leafs have learned from past Game 7 experiences. TSN's Pierre LeBrun had quoted Nylander as saying:
Of course, this makes it seem like the Leafs are already playing from behind or playing from the mindset that a loss is a very realistic outcome for them before the game even starts. However, the truth is that the Leafs have an entirely different mindset coming into this one.
TSN's Chris Johnston also tweeted out Nylander's quote, but in its full version, indicating that the Leafs are coming into this game with confidence after playing their way to home ice advantage during the regular season.
What Nylander is alluding to is the fact that the Leafs have faired well against the Lightning at home. When controlling the matchups with their right to the last change as the home team, the Leafs have vastly outplayed the Bolts at 5-on-5. Unfortunately, much of the series has been decided with special teams, so the Leafs will have to do their best to stay out of the box tonight - or hope that the officials put the whistles away.
The idea that two reporters who work for the same network are reporting the same quote with different spins shows that certain media members are trying to spin a certain narrative - trying to sell the Leafs' past failures as a reason why they'll come up short and paint this team with the same brush as they have in years past. Frankly, it's unfair and unprofessional. This Leafs team has played their way to a 3-3 tie with the Champs, outplayed them at even strength and has exposed a Conn Smythe and Vezina Trophy winner in all 6 games so far. I think this team deserves a little more respect.
| POLL | ||
MAI 14 | 456 ANSWERS NHL Insider changes quote from Leafs forward to try and create controversy ahead of Game 7 Will William Nylander score a goal in Game 7 tonight? | ||
| No | 178 | 39 % |
| Yes | 244 | 53.5 % |
| Not only will he score, he'll get the game winner | 34 | 7.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
