By The Old Prof & Stan Smith
This particular playoff experience has been one of the most frustrating for Toronto Maple Leafs fans in recent memory. In a crucial Game 4 matchup against the Boston Bruins, the Maple Leafs came up short yet again. The result was a disheartening 3-1 loss, putting them at a challenging 3-1 deficit in the series.
Here’s a breakdown of the Maple Leafs problems in Game 4.
Related: Maple Leafs Even Series With Gutsy Win In Boston
Problem Number One: Maple Leafs Have No Answer for Marchand’s Unstoppable Intensity
Despite his size and reputation for on-ice antics, Brad Marchand has proven to be a formidable opponent for the Maple Leafs once again. He not only delivered stellar performances game after game; but, believe it or not, he has not taken a single penalty in this round-one series.
Thus far, Marchand has put up five points in his last two games. He’s shown his dominance throughout the series. The Maple Leafs know the problem but have not come close to answering the Marchand question correctly.
Problem Number Two: Swayman’s Impenetrable Last Line of Defense
Compounding the Maple Leafs’ struggles of their own making, they’ve been unable to solve Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman. He’s been lights out in the net and has put up an outstanding .956 save percentage and a 1.34 goals-against average in the series. Swayman presented a formidable obstacle for Toronto’s offense.
It isn’t that goalie Ilya Samsonov has played poorly, but he hasn’t been up to Swayman’s ability level. One wonders if Game 4 might be the last time Maple Leafs fans will have seen Samsonov in a Blue & White Toronto uniform. His contract expires this offseason.
Problem Three: The Maple Leafs Missed Too Many Opportunities
The Maple Leafs made critical errors that cost them dearly throughout the game. From defensive lapses leading to goals to an ineffective power play, Toronto has either made too many errors or has failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Those two issues ultimately sealed their fate in Game 4.
If the team hopes to make a comeback in this series, it will need to build on its third-period mini-comeback. It has the speed, but so far, it has lacked the intensity.
The Bottom Line for the Maple Leafs
As the series progresses, the Maple Leafs are in a precarious spot. Lose once more, and the offseason begins.
With adjustments needed on and off the ice, Toronto must regroup and refocus to mount a comeback against a resilient Bruins team. Will they rise to the occasion and turn the tide in Game 5? Stranger things have happened.