Two Leafs currently sitting 1st and 2nd in the playoffs in hits
Everyone knew that the series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning was going to be a physical, wear-you-down, knockdown, drag-out, lengthy series. Most thought the series was going the full 7 games. The special teams were going to be important, and finishing every single body check was going to be a must on both sides. By the end of the 6-game series, the Leafs had 277 hits to the Lightning 276 - literally going hit-for-hit in the series.
Newcomers, Noel Acciari, Luke Schenn, and Jake McCabe excelled when it came to hits. Not only did they lead the way in the series, but are currently first, second, and fourth respectively in the NHL with 42, 34, and 32 hits. The Leafs also had 138 blocked shots, led by T.J. Brodie's 20 and Morgan Rielly's 17.
Acciari had 17 hits in his final 2 games, had no less than 3 hits in any game, and also added 2 goals in the series. Luke Schenn was everything the Leafs had hoped for when they acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks as he added that sandpaper and grit to the back end. In Game 4 alone, he recorded 10 hits and 3 blocked shots in 18:03 TOI. Jake McCabe not only recorded 32 hits but also recorded 10 blocked shots, including 7 hits and 4 blocks in the Game 6 decider.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have now found out that their next round opponent is going to be the Florida Panthers and are probably glad for a few reasons, including the fact that a Bruins series was likely going to be more physical and more gritty than the one they just got through. Still, the Panthers have a lot of firepower and are no easy out. Last year's Presidents Trophy winners just knocked off this year's Presidents Trophy winners and are a formidable opponent. The Leafs won't be looking past the Panthers in this series.
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