In Toronto, a hopeful but cautious feeling has emerged among Maple Leafs fans recently – the idea that this current team might be different.
It`s understandable why the team`s supporters need proof. For five years, previous versions of the Leafs followed predictable paths, leading to disappointing outcomes. Hope would appear briefly, only to fade away. This was largely due to the belief that their flashy, offensive game wasn`t suited for the demanding, physical nature of playoff hockey.
While a dominant Game 1 win against the Ottawa Senators only slightly eased concerns, Tuesday night showed more progress. By winning a thrilling 3-2 overtime game against the Sens at Scotiabank Arena, the Maple Leafs achieved an undeniably new position: a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. This marks the best playoff start for the current core group and the team`s best start in over twenty years.
The renewed optimism isn`t just about the two wins themselves – a short streak doesn`t guarantee success. It`s how these victories were achieved that matters. Toronto has demonstrated composed, resilient, and opportunistic play in both games against Ottawa, highlighted by strong starts, effective power plays, and the resilience to win in overtime.
Tristan Blackwood