All eyes are on Brad Treliving as Friday’s 3 P.M. trade deadline gets closer and closer.
Simply put, Saturday night’s performance was a downright disgrace. That’s where the conversation started on the Monday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We didn’t mince words either. The Leafs didn’t show up for the second straight game. That said, the fan base has almost become numb to that type of display over the past decade. Absolutely sickening stuff.
At any rate, we spent a good portion of the podcast debating what we think will happen over the next few days. At this point, you would have to think that the Leafs are open to pretty much anything —within reason. For what it’s worth, it looks like Bobby McMann will skate with Auston Matthews and William Nylander against Philadelphia tonight. Talk about a plum assignment!
The Maple Leafs have dropped three in a row, outscored 14-5. It’s been ugly since they returned from the Olympic break. Saturday night’s effort was the cherry on top. How do you come out that way? Obviously, we broke down some of the post-game quotes. That was the most candid and frank Auston Matthews has been as captain. He called the game embarrassing, even going as far as to question the team’s pride. Meantime, Craig Berube echoed some of the same sentiments. This team lacks cohesion and connection. They don’t play as a team. It’s sad.
Furthermore, we also broke down the reaction when Auston Matthews was recognized for winning Gold in Milan. It was mixed. There were cheers, there were definitely some boos, too. He deserves to be praised and celebrated for what he did over there. Captaining Team USA to Olympic Gold, something that had not been done since 1980, is no joke. Having said all that, there’s no question Matthews – along with everyone else – need to elevate their play moving forward. As a team and individually, they’ve been a tough watch since returning to play.
Bruce Boudreau will be by to tee up deadline week on the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll recap Leafs/Flyers, too.