What a start to the playoffs it’s been for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
From a 3-0 series lead, to back-to-back losses, and finally the closeout win Thursday night. After two weeks of ups and downs, it’s probably a good time to check in with your cardiologist if you haven’t already.
Legendary Maple Leafs defenceman Wendel Clark stopped by Leafs Morning Take on Friday in the aftermath of the Battle of Ontario to break it down with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill. The dominant narrative through the end of the series was the prospect of Toronto blowing their commanding three-game lead, and given the recent history of playoff hockey in Toronto, it’s not surprising there would be a high level of anxiety. But from Clark’s perspective, it was typical overreactive behaviour from the market, who could’ve done with a little more faith.
“It’s a seven-game series,” Clark said. “And it doesn’t matter who you’re playing or when it is, that’s my take. Nobody’s every playing four perfect games & winning every time … you can have the biggest stinkers you want, doesn’t matter as long as you win the next night.”
While many Leafs fans were certainly hoping for four perfect games, that’s not the way things go in the playoffs. Sure you get the occasional sweep, but in chasing the Stanley Cup you have to anticipate some hiccups along the way. Toronto fans have their reasons to be concerned given past performances, but now with two second round appearances in three years, it’s time to re-write that narrative. Even if the prospect of blown leads will always make for a good story.
“It’s gonna be hyped that way, because everybody’s gotta sell the game, so that’s the way it is outside,” Clark said. “But in the dressing room, they’re all just trying to bring it every night. And some nights it’s there, and some nights it’s not. And I think last night was one of the ones to bring it again.”
It certainly was, as the Maple Leafs finally put this series to bed with their decisive 4-2 win. Now, a greater test awaits Toronto as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers in Round Two. Coming in as the defending Stanley Cup champions, Clark noted one big part of Florida’s play that the Leafs will need to bring to this series.
“They know how to be patient with their style of game,” Clark said, of the Panthers. “We have to bring that patience, that nothing may happen for a long time, you gotta play hard. You can’t open up to try to get something. That’s usually veteran teams who have been to the finals … they just know how to be patient and keep playing hard in the playoffs. And we have to adapt and learn that quickly to upset a team that’s proven they can be there.”
No doubt there are more ups and downs in store for Toronto in this series, so take the advice from the Leafs legend himself. Patience is a virtue, especially in a seven-game series.
