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Former Leaf identifies what the Oilers stars do that the Leafs stars don't do

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Michael Sukut
June 5, 2024  (9:38)
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Looking at teams in the Stanley Cup Final can teach lessons on what the Maple Leafs need to do in order to get to that stage.

On the Jun. 3rd edition of the JD Bunkis Podcast, former Maple Leaf Kris Versteeg shared what he thinks are key differences between the Stanley Cup Finalist Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What are the Oilers' top guys doing that the Leafs' top guys don't? They dominate.

It's clear that Edmonton's roster is top heavy with McDavid and Draisaitl being the best players on the ice, and that is something Toronto's best players have not been able to replicate when games really matter. There is another key difference between the two teams:

If you get your role guys understanding, buying in, loving what they're doing, killing the clock essentially some of them. That's what the Leafs do not have.

We all know that the Leafs are famous for giving up goals right after gaining a lead. We also know that choking seems to be a part of their DNA. They've lacked the ability to get ahead and stay ahead for years. Everything has to be dramatic.

Even though Edmonton's depth is not known for being the best, they can hunker down when the Oilers have the lead.

Craig Berube is going to have his work cut out for him behind the Leafs' bench next season. Finding a way to replicate Edmonton's formula could finally spell success for the Blue and White come playoff time.

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Former Leaf identifies what the Oilers stars do that the Leafs stars don't do

Can the Maple Leafs find a way to replicate Edmonton's success next season under Berube?

Yes30275.1 %
No10024.9 %
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