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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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… ...
Jim Hiller on dressing 11 forwards, 7 defensemen in Colorado: “The forwards would tell you they love 11, and the defense would tell you they don’t like seven”
Ahead of the game in Colorado, head coach Jim Hiller discussed dressing 11 forwards and seven defensemen, Nick Blankenburg entering the lineup, Kirill Marchenko’s first five games, and Gavin McKenna’s recent performances. With John Tavares away, will Zack MacEwen or Miles Wood dress? Hiller: We’re going to play seven D, 11 forwards. You’re going to […] The post Jim Hiller on dressing 11 forwards, 7 defensemen in Colorado: “The forwards would tell you they love 11, and the defense would tell ...
Jim Hiller on returning to Matthews & Nylander on separate lines in practice: “We know what they can do together… We want to see if we can find some more chemistry with some other guys”
After Friday’s practice, Jim Hiller discussed John Tavares leaving the road trip for his son’s birth, Nick Paul stepping into his 2C spot, the line combinations and defensive pairings, and the upcoming challenge against Colorado. What’s going on with John Tavares? Hiller: John is a proud father again. Great news there. Tucker Tavares, a 10-pounder. […] The post Jim Hiller on returning to Matthews & Nylander on separate lines in practice: “We know what they can do together… We want to see if ...
Vinni Lettieri leads the way as Toronto Marlies trail three times but fight back to spoil Hamilton’s home opener
The Toronto Marlies’ 5-4 shootout victory in Hamilton came down to resolve and resilience, not an outstanding performance. Often the architects of their own downfall in this game, the Marlies showed good character, kept bouncing back, and earned the two points. First Period Roared on by an excited home crowd delighted to have pro hockey […] The post Vinni Lettieri leads the way as Toronto Marlies trail three times but fight back to spoil Hamilton’s home opener appeared first on Maple Leafs H...
Maple Leafs recall Miles Wood as they continue to search for the right fourth-line mix
Ahead of their trip to Colorado, the Maple Leafs have recalled winger Miles Wood, acquired in the Kirill Marchenko-Matthew Knies trade with Columbus, from the Toronto Marlies. As we wrote after the shootout loss last night in Vegas, after four games of evaluating Duhaime-Blueger-Groulx, it seems like it’s time to try a new look. The […] The post Maple Leafs recall Miles Wood as they continue to search for the right fourth-line mix appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Maple Leafs squander dream start in Vegas, Sergei Bobrovsky salvages a point
I’m envious of anyone who went to bed after 20 minutes, able to rest their head on the pillow believing the Maple Leafs just might be starting to put their game together early in this young season. The Leafs stormed out to a 3-0 lead inside nine minutes in Vegas. Jack Roslovic opened the scoring […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs squander dream start in Vegas, Sergei Bobrovsky salvages a point appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ uneven performance in Vegas: “In the end, Bobrovsky probably got us a point, right?”
After a 4-3 shootout loss in Vegas, Jim Hiller discussed the momentum shift after a strong start, Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s status, and the lack of opportunities for Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan in overtime and the shootout, respectively. Where do you feel the game turned after a hot start? Hiller: It turned on […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ uneven performance in Vegas: “In the end, Bobrovsky probably got us a point, right?” appeared first on Maple Leafs...
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights – Game #5 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
A tough three-game road test arrives early in the Maple Leafs’ schedule, starting tonight with a visit to the 2025-26 Western Conference champions in Vegas (10:00 p.m. EST, TSN4). A few quick pre-game storylines to watch: Coming off a big game against Nashville, does Auston Matthews carry the momentum forward in a tougher (potential) head-to-head […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vegas Golden Knights – Game #5 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan moving up to the Tavares-Nylander line: “He started really strong, and then I haven’t played him as much… He probably deserved a little bit more ice time”
Ahead of the game in Vegas, head coach Jim Hiller discussed his lineup change in the middle-six forward group, Easton Cowan’s opportunity alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, Gavin McKenna’s first NHL road game, facing Mitch Marner, and Tavares’ strong performance against Nashville. After the last game, you weren’t sure what you’d do with the […] The post Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan moving up to the Tavares-Nylander line: “He started really strong, and then I haven’t played him as muc...
Why there’s more to like about the new-look Maple Leafs, and the lineup questions that remain
It’s fun to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs again. John Chayka kicked off the season with a blockbuster trade, and the significant roster turnover has created plenty of intrigue. It’s obviously far too early to draw major conclusions, but let’s get into some early thoughts on the Kirill Marchenko trade and the team as a […] The post Why there’s more to like about the new-look Maple Leafs, and the lineup questions that remain appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
John Chayka on observing Auston Matthews’ leadership firsthand: “I probably didn’t fully appreciate the type of leader he is… It’s almost a bit of a magnetic pull that he has”
Before the game against Nashville, Mats Sundin and John Chayka joined Brad May and Ryan Leslie to discuss the Maple Leafs’ early-season progress, building the team’s identity, their working relationship in the front office, Auston Matthews’ leadership, and Chris Tanev’s importance to the team. With all the changes you’ve implemented in Toronto, what have you […] The post John Chayka on observing Auston Matthews’ leadership firsthand: “I probably didn’t fully appreciate the type of leader he ...
The Leafs After Four Games: Reasons for Optimism/Concern, and the Big Lineup Questions — MLHS Podcast Ep. 126
In the first MLHS Podcast episode of the 2026-27 season, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli take stock of the Maple Leafs through four games, discussing the early reasons for optimism and concern, notable performances, Jim Hiller’s lineup decisions, and the biggest questions facing the team as it embarks on a challenging road trip. Episode Topics […] The post The Leafs After Four Games: Reasons for Optimism/Concern, and the Big Lineup Questions — MLHS Podcast Ep. 126 appeared first on Mapl...
Game Review: Matthews, McKenna deliver the headlines in a Maple Leafs comeback thriller
Just what the doctor ordered. Auston Matthews recorded a four-point game, and Gavin McKenna scored his first NHL goal and assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs stormed back from a three-goal deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime. It’s only game #4 of a gruelingly long 84-game 2026-27 NHL season, but I’d venture […] The post Game Review: Matthews, McKenna deliver the headlines in a Maple Leafs comeback thriller appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on whether it looked like the Matthews of old vs. Nashville: “It really was for me… I really felt something special from Auston… It was just a little bit different”
After the Maple Leafs’ thrilling 5-4 overtime win over Nashville, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Gavin McKenna’s first NHL goal, the decision to shuffle the lines and reunite Auston Matthews with William Nylander, and Matthews’ standout four-point performance. What did you like about the game tonight? Hiller: We won. Let’s start there, right? I thought […] The post Jim Hiller on whether it looked like the Matthews of old vs. Nashville: “It really was for me… I really felt something special ...
Brisson pots two, Chadwick scores in season debut: Notable performances in the Marlies’ home-opener victory over Hamilton
“We want to play fast and get moving… We wanted to play a little quicker, and we did that. There are a few things in our neutral zone; it’s a new system, so there are a few things that we’re going through that the Leafs have changed and we are trying to implement. It’s just […] The post Brisson pots two, Chadwick scores in season debut: Notable performances in the Marlies’ home-opener victory over Hamilton appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the video-room sessions with Gavin McKenna through three games: “Alfie’s been doing some work with him that way”
Ahead of Tuesday’s game against Nashville, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the decision to start Anthony Stolarz, managing the goaltenders’ workloads, Gavin McKenna’s adjustment to the NHL spotlight, and Nick Blankenburg’s wait for an opportunity in the lineup. What went into the decision to start Anthony Stolarz in goal? Hiller: We have a bit of […] The post Jim Hiller on the video-room sessions with Gavin McKenna through three games: “Alfie’s been doing some work with him that way” appeare...
The Marchenko Bet & The Leafs’ Possession Play, Sundin’s Push for Bobrovsky, Second-Line Struggles — Maple Leafs Notebook
In the past two seasons, the Maple Leafs barely possessed the puck. Last season, they finished last in 5v5 shot-attempt share. The year they won their division, they finished 29th but were buoyed by excellent goaltending. Over the same period, we can draw a pretty clear parallel between possessing the puck and winning the Cup. […] The post The Marchenko Bet & The Leafs’ Possession Play, Sundin’s Push for Bobrovsky, Second-Line Struggles — Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Ho...
Jim Hiller on how Gavin McKenna is handling a slow first three NHL games offensively: “He just seems unflappable to me”
After Monday’s practice, Jim Hiller discussed the Maple Leafs’ offense, his patience with line combinations, Gavin McKenna’s adjustment to the NHL, and the emphasis on getting pucks and traffic to the net. What are you looking for from the McKenna-Tavares-Nylander line as they continue to gel here? Hiller: I would say this: Not just that […] The post Jim Hiller on how Gavin McKenna is handling a slow first three NHL games offensively: “He just seems unflappable to me” appeared first on Maple...
Game Review: Maple Leafs let a dominant second period go to waste in another frustrating divisional loss
The Maple Leafs were plagued with many problems last season, but when it came to their results, their biggest issue was their inability to win within their division. They posted a winning record against two of the other three divisions and were .500 against the third. While it is early — and the Leafs’ overall […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs let a dominant second period go to waste in another frustrating divisional loss appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs scoring twice for the third straight game in a loss to Ottawa: “I don’t love making excuses, but somebody said we had six or seven posts or crossbars”
After a 3-2 loss to the Senators, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the struggles on the late 6-on-5, the difficulty generating a push in the final minutes, and the Tavares line’s performance. What did you see as the difference tonight? Hiller: Well, I think we needed to finish some of the chances we had. We […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs scoring twice for the third straight game in a loss to Ottawa: “I don’t love making excuses, but somebody said we had six or seven posts or crossbars” ...
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators – Game #3 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
There is plenty to get up for as the Maple Leafs host the Senators on Saturday Night Hockey (7:00 p.m. EST, Sportsnet): It’s the first Saturday night at home of the 2026-27 season for a much-changed team still looking to break out offensively after four total goals in their first two games. Rivalry game, to […] The post Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators – Game #3 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
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