Tough game against heavy Caps reveals the Leafs' biggest need
Playoffs playoffs playoffs. Talk to any Leafs fan about the Leafs' impressive season so far and undoubtedly the conversation will turn to «can they do it in the playoffs?». We got a glimpse of that last night against a heavy, nasty Washington team. The Leafs stuck with it and pulled out a solid win, but there was one incident that should have Leafs fans concerned.
With the score tied in the 3rd period, John Tavares had a chance in front of the net, an extra whack at the puck earned him a greeting from 3 Capitals, including Tom Wilson. Tavares stood up for himself, pushing and shoving, but was roughed up and knocked down. The problem I had with this was that 3 Capitals came to goaltender Vitek Vanecek's aid, while no Leafs came in to help John Tavares.
Look, I'm not asking William Nylander or Alex Kerfoot to fight Tom Wilson, he's a true heavyweight and to drop the gloves with him is taking your life in your hands. Still, your captain just got ragdolled by 3 guys - tie someone up, push someone, crosscheck, do something.
If the Leafs want to go anywhere in the playoffs this year, they're going to have to be better at sticking up for themselves and each other. It's not even about intimidating the opponent. It's about showing your teammates you have their back and showing your opponent that if they push you, you'll push back. It's an element the Leafs are missing, and while it doesn't show up on the scoresheet, it's a big deal.
Now, Sheldon Keefe did throw Wayne Simmonds over the boards for the next shift, and Simmer took a run at someone and caused a bit of a stir, but it was too late. The image of John Tavares getting back to his feet with 3 Capitals looming over him and not a Leaf in sight is, to me, the biggest issue with this team today.
I'm not saying the Leafs need a heavyweight on every line, but last nights game made me miss the days when Darcy Tucker would go absolutely insane if someone messed with his teammates. A player with that fire, that grit, and a little bit of those crazy eyes would be a massive get for the Leafs. The players on the roster now have to learn that pack mentality. Maybe it's time for Marlies captain Rich Clune to get a few big league games in. He's a great leader, his attitude is infectious and nobody messes with his teammates without hearing from him. If the guys on the current roster can all add just a bit of that to their game, the road to playoff success will be much easier.
| POLL | ||
1 MARS | 322 ANSWERS Tough game against heavy Caps reveals the Leafs' biggest need Do you think the Leafs should have stuck up for Tavares? | ||
| No, he's a big boy - he can handle himself | 53 | 16.5 % |
| Absolutely, he's the captain | 179 | 55.6 % |
| The Leafs need to bring in some more bite | 90 | 28 % |
| List of polls | ||
