NHL analyst points out Maple Leafs' 'biggest difference' after rare 2-0 series lead against Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs now lead their playoff series 2-0 against the Florida Panthers. This is a rare position for them. In past years, they often struggled early in the playoffs.

In Friday's episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman talked about the change.

“The biggest difference to me when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs now and past years, is they're not panicking,” Friedman said (18:50). “Their coach has created a calmness around them.”

Craig Berube stayed focused after the chaos of Game 1 and the goalie injury in Game 2. He told the team to concentrate on winning.

Friedman said the team is showing more maturity now.

"A lot of these guys are older now," Friedman added. "They've seen the good, they've seen the bad. I think you understood everything that happened. But they're calm. They don't lose their minds."

Friedman also mentioned Mitch Marner. In past years, Marner sometimes looked nervous during big moments. But in Game 2, Marner scored the winning goal just after Florida tied the game.

"They're different now," Friedman said. "They don't get rattled. They understand it's all about punch, counter punch."

Pierre LeBrun praised Toronto Maple Leafs for staying calm and focused

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun also praised the Maple Leafs for staying calm. He pointed out that, in the past, players like Mitch Marner and William Nylander might have been distracted by the Panthers' physical play. Instead, they have stayed focused on this series.

"It's the kind of poise that we've seen so far from the league players that perhaps, in the past, might have easily been distracted by that kind of thing, by Brad Marchand himself in some Boston series between the Leafs," LeBrun said on Wednesday.

LeBrun also pointed out that after Florida tied the game, the Leafs quickly scored.

"They gave up that tying goal early in the third period," LeBrun added. "Anton Lundell, in the past, it might have been a moment in a playoff game where everything comes off the rails for the core of this Leafs team, instead, they scored in the next shift."

The Maple Leafs used to let playoff pressure affect them. Now they stay even and focused.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

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Edited by Ribin Peter

NHL analyst points out Maple Leafs' 'biggest difference' after rare 2-0 series lead against Panthers - "All about counter punch"

Pierre LeBrun praised Toronto Maple Leafs for staying calm and focused