Maple Leafs Hotstove
Providing Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies news, opinion and analysis since 2008, MLHS is one of the largest, most authoritative independent hockey sites online.
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Game Review: Special teams and Bobrovsky shine as Maple Leafs snap three-game losing streak vs. SJ
Quietly, the San Jose Sharks were 4-0-0 against the Maple Leafs in the Macklin Celebrini era despite missing the playoffs in both seasons. Inside those games, Matthews and Celebrini went head-to-head three times (Matthews missed one of the games due to injury), and Celebrini decidedly won those minutes in the run of play. Tonight, it […] The post Game Review: Special teams and Bobrovsky shine as Maple Leafs snap three-game losing streak vs. SJ appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on snapping the losing streak vs. San Jose: “We had to be gutsy to win that game… Good win for our team”
After a 3-1 win over San Jose, Jim Hiller discussed Auston Matthews’ response to an early mistake, Gavin McKenna delivering in a big moment, Easton Cowan’s matchup assignment, and another strong night for the penalty kill. Hiller on the biggest key to pulling out the win: I thought we stuck with it. We had some […] The post Jim Hiller on snapping the losing streak vs. San Jose: “We had to be gutsy to win that game… Good win for our team” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ fourth line: “We’ve got to take our cue from them a little bit… They played a little bit greasier (vs. NYI), and that’s what we need to do”
Ahead of Monday’s game against the Sharks, Jim Hiller discussed Artur Akhtyamov’s call-up, Vinni Lettieri’s opportunity, William Nylander’s status, Gavin McKenna’s confidence, and the need to build on the fourth line’s recent performance. What do you like about Vinni Lettieri, and what are you hoping he can bring tonight? Hiller: I think we talked about […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ fourth line: “We’ve got to take our cue from them a little bit… They played a little bit greasier (vs....
The Atlantic isn’t waiting, and the Leafs are still searching for their game — Maple Leafs Notebook
Nine games into the season, with six of them played at home, a 3–4–2 record with only two regulation wins is not exactly the start the Maple Leafs envisioned. That makes the Leafs the only team below .500 in the Atlantic Division. That’s what happens when you play three home games against divisional rivals and […] The post The Atlantic isn’t waiting, and the Leafs are still searching for their game — Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Maple Leafs recall Vinni Lettieri in search of more depth scoring
Now listed on the Maple Leafs’ official roster, veteran winger Vinni Lettieri has earned an opportunity with the big club after a majorly clutch Calder Cup run and a red-hot start with the Marlies this season. With John Tavares sidelined week-to-week, the Maple Leafs have an opening in their top nine and a need to […] The post Maple Leafs recall Vinni Lettieri in search of more depth scoring appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Miroslav Holinka scores first AHL goal as Toronto Marlies extend winning streak to four in Belleville
The Toronto Marlies continue to find ways to win amid a great start to their regular season. In Belleville on Saturday, the momentum swung multiple times as the two teams combined for nine goals. The Marlies bounced back from a terrible start and dominated most of the five-on-five action en route to a 5-4 overtime […] The post Miroslav Holinka scores first AHL goal as Toronto Marlies extend winning streak to four in Belleville appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ offense hits a wall against stingy Islanders
The Maple Leafs’ offense hit the skids in a low-event game against the Islanders, who were down to 10 forwards after the first period. At five-on-five, the Maple Leafs generated just six high-danger chances (by Natural Stat Trick’s count) before garbage time late on, and none came from the top line in 11 minutes of […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs’ offense hits a wall against stingy Islanders appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ loss to an Isles team down to 10 forwards: “They could have their full lineup in there, and our lack of fortitude to get to the inside makes it disappointing in any case”
After a 4-1 loss to the Islanders, head coach Jim Hiller discussed his team’s slow night offensively, the team’s spirit after a third consecutive loss, Gavin McKenna’s performance, and the latest on Chris Tanev’s status. Hiller on the Leafs’ inability to generate enough offensively: They played a good game. It didn’t surprise us at all. […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ loss to an Isles team down to 10 forwards: “They could have their full lineup in there, and our lack of fortitude to ge...
Jim Hiller on his trust level in Gavin McKenna’s defensive play: “I would look at his ice time up until the last game, and I would use that as a bit of an indicator… He’s played quite a bit”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Islanders, Jim Hiller discussed his conversation with Gavin McKenna after the Buffalo game, John Tavares’ injury, Easton Cowan’s growing responsibilities, and the need to play more aggressively when protecting a lead. What was your conversation with Gavin McKenna like? What was your message coming off the other day? Hiller: […] The post Jim Hiller on his trust level in Gavin McKenna’s defensive play: “I would look at his ice time up until the last game, a...
Gavin McKenna on Jim Hiller benching him against the Sabres: “He said it had nothing to do with my play, which is obviously nice to know… I trust him”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Islanders, Gavin McKenna discussed sitting for the second half of the Buffalo game, his conversation with Jim Hiller, the support from his teammates, and stepping onto the top power-play unit in John Tavares’ absence. What was your takeaway from how things went the other night and not playing the […] The post Gavin McKenna on Jim Hiller benching him against the Sabres: “He said it had nothing to do with my play, which is obviously nice to know… I trust hi...
Brendan Brisson scores first professional hat trick, Toronto Marlies complete weekend sweep of Hamilton
The Toronto Marlies extended their winning streak to three games despite blowing a two-goal lead in Hamilton last weekend. Brendan Brisson’s hat trick included the game-winner, and his finishing made the difference in the 5-2 victory (two-empty netters). First Period Bad blood from the previous game carried over into the start of this encounter. Philippe […] The post Brendan Brisson scores first professional hat trick, Toronto Marlies complete weekend sweep of Hamilton appeared first on Mapl...
Game Review: Maple Leafs sit back, throw away Marchenko’s hat-trick night in the third period vs. Buffalo
As bizarre as it seems to write about a 21-year-old second-year player, most of the rest of the team needs to watch the tape of Easton Cowan in the first half of the third period. Cowan was one of the few Leafs still actively trying to play the game rather than standing around and hoping […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs sit back, throw away Marchenko’s hat-trick night in the third period vs. Buffalo appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on benching Gavin McKenna in the Leafs’ OT loss to Buffalo: “We talked about getting him out in the third, and then I guess it just didn’t happen… That’s on me”
After a 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres, head caoch Jim Hiller discussed his team’s struggles under the Sabres’ late push, Gavin McKenna sitting for the second half of the game, Kirill Marchenko’s scoring breakout, and his familiarity with newly acquired Aatu Räty. Hiller on the game getting away from the Leafs after leading […] The post Jim Hiller on benching Gavin McKenna in the Leafs’ OT loss to Buffalo: “We talked about getting him out in the third, and then I guess it just didn’...
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres – Game #8 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
It’s the first game back after a week on the road, but the Maple Leafs should be plenty motivated to avoid a 0-3 start against the Atlantic Division when they host the Rasmus Dahlin-less Buffalo Sabres (7:00 p.m. EST, TSN4). Game Day Quotes Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff on what stands out about the Maple […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres – Game #8 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs acquire Aatu Raty in exchange for Jacob Quillan, Brandon Buhr
The Maple Leafs completed a trade on Thursday evening, sending Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Aatu Räty. Just a day earlier, Räty cleared waivers. Trading for him accomplishes two things, and the first isn’t the contract spot exchange. By acquiring a player who has already passed through waivers, […] The post Instant Analysis: Maple Leafs acquire Aatu Raty in exchange for Jacob Quillan, Brandon Buhr appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the concern about the Leafs’ blue line after the road trip: “I thought we hung our defensemen out to dry a little bit as a group of forwards”
Ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Sabres, Jim Hiller discussed his lineup options, Auston Matthews and William Nylander’s chemistry, Kirill Marchenko finding his game, and the forwards providing more support for the defense in Chris Tanev’s absence. It wasn’t a long skate this morning. What were you looking to get out of it coming […] The post Jim Hiller on the concern about the Leafs’ blue line after the road trip: “I thought we hung our defensemen out to dry a little bit as a grou...
The Maple Leafs’ offense is rolling, but can their defense hold up? — MLHS Podcast Ep. 127
In the latest MLHS Podcast, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli discuss the encouraging early returns from the Maple Leafs’ forward group, the mounting concerns on defense without Chris Tanev, the possibility of finding external blue-line help, the PK’s great start, and the new coaching staff’s early-season work. Episode Topics Reflections on the Maple Leafs’ 1-1-1 […] The post The Maple Leafs’ offense is rolling, but can their defense hold up? — MLHS Podcast Ep. 127 appeared first on Maple...
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ offense won’t quit, but a second-period + Stolarz mess proves costly in Utah
The Maple Leafs showed their offensive prowess and a refusal to go away in Utah, nearly erasing a three-goal third-period deficit, but another rough second period and some terrible goaltending left them with too much to overcome in a 5-4 loss. I liked the Leafs’ pace, effort, and forechecking at times in the first period, […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs’ offense won’t quit, but a second-period + Stolarz mess proves costly in Utah appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ sloppy loss in Utah to end the road trip: “Could’ve made this a great trip… In the end, it’s [just] okay”
After a 5-4 loss in Utah, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the team’s recurring second-period struggles, the defensive breakdowns in front of Anthony Stolarz, the challenge of adjusting without Chris Tanev, and encouraging signs from Kirill Marchenko in the third period. Hiller on his takeaways from the loss: It’s a tough one. I didn’t think […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ sloppy loss in Utah to end the road trip: “Could’ve made this a great trip… In the end, it’s [just] okay” appeared ...
Jim Hiller on Tavares returning to PP1 and McKenna to PP2: “We’re talking about John Tavares. It’s a pretty easy decision to get John back in there”
Ahead of Tuesday’s game in Utah, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the defense stepping up in Chris Tanev’s absence, the penalty kill’s strong start, Anthony Stolarz’s start, Kirill Marchenko’s chemistry with Auston Matthews, and John Tavares returning to the top power-play unit. The power play had a good night on Saturday. What went into putting […] The post Jim Hiller on Tavares returning to PP1 and McKenna to PP2: “We’re talking about John Tavares. It’s a pretty easy decision to get John ba...
Matthews Heating Up, Adjusting Without Tanev, and Hiller’s Lineup Flexibility — Maple Leafs Notebook
Six games into the season, the Maple Leafs are a more talented, more exciting team, with plenty still to figure out. In our assessment of the Leafs after six games, we looked at encouraging signs within the team’s forward depth, the challenge of building a consistent three-line attack, and the disjointed breakouts. The talent is […] The post Matthews Heating Up, Adjusting Without Tanev, and Hiller’s Lineup Flexibility — Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ ability to withstand the loss of Chris Tanev: “They fought like crazy on Saturday night… The guys responded well”
After Monday’s practice, Jim Hiller discussed Chris Tanev’s injury, Marshall Rifai’s call-up, the defense pairings, the team’s skating through six games, and the hot starts for Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Now that Chris Tanev is on IR, is there any sense of how long he will be out? Hiller: No, not a great sense […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ ability to withstand the loss of Chris Tanev: “They fought like crazy on Saturday night… The guys responded well” appeared first on Map...
More talent, more excitement, and plenty to figure out: Assessing the Maple Leafs after six games
Six games into the new season, the Maple Leafs are 3-2-1. It’s easy to forget, but they had the exact same record after six games last season, too. On their current road trip last season, it started much the same way — blowing a lead against Vegas but picking up a point, beating Colorado, then […] The post More talent, more excitement, and plenty to figure out: Assessing the Maple Leafs after six games appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Matthews and Nylander take over, McKenna continues to progress as Maple Leafs leave Colorado with two points
It’s no stretch to suggest the Vegas-Colorado-Utah road trip is the hardest in the NHL. Getting some positive results and chugging along is critical to the Maple Leafs building momentum after a 2-2-0 homestand to start the season. Well, there’s still a game to go, but the Leafs have already banked three points — a […] The post Game Review: Matthews and Nylander take over, McKenna continues to progress as Maple Leafs leave Colorado with two points appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Gavin McKenna already earning PP1 and first-line looks: “We’re not just giving that to him… He’s earned that… He’s just a good player, and he’s going to be for a long time”
After a 6-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Gavin McKenna’s continued development and growing responsibilities, William Nylander’s five-point performance, Sergei Bobrovsky’s first win as a Leaf, and the status of Chris Tanev. Hiller on the team’s overall performance: I liked the first and the third. They had a couple of […] The post Jim Hiller on Gavin McKenna already earning PP1 and first-line looks: “We’re not just giving that to him… He’s earned that… ...
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