As we approach Day 34 of the ongoing NHL playoffs, the anticipation builds, waiting for the decisive moment when the Stanley Cup is lifted. However, our attention is diverted toward a riveting development that’s unfolding in my immediate vicinity. The Toronto Maple Leafs are undergoing significant reconstruction after they suffered a demoralizing loss in their last Game 7, an event sparking as much intrigue as an episode of ‘Game of Thrones’. An impending board meeting for the ownership of the Maple Leafs is scheduled for today, where critical discussions will be held on defining their future trajectory, with particular emphasis on the fate of Brendan Shanahan, the president.
Shanahan, having been involved with the team for a lengthy stretch of 11 years and albeit having only two playoff series wins under his belt, is presumed to be on the brink of departure. It is expected that an official announcement could be made shortly. Meanwhile, Shanahan has been accorded the opportunity to engage with the New York Islanders to consider their top hockey operational role, following Lou Lamoriello’s axing from the position last month.
An interesting twist is that this whole scenario seems to be revolving in full circle: Lou Lamoriello had served as the Leafs’ general manager until 2018 when Shanahan released him. Today Shanahan is likely to switch roles to become the next executive from Toronto attempting to steer Long Island’s ship on course after falling off balance.
In the new organizational setup, however, Shanahan would not occupy the GM’s seat in New York. It strongly seems that Mathieu Darche, the Lightning Assistant General Manager, is the favorite to clinch that role, but the situation is still in flux.
The current redesign plans for the Leafs foresee the club to evolve without a president, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley embarking on a more proactive capacity over General Manager Brad Treliving. There are indications that the MLSE intends to slash its operational costs across the organization over the following weeks, which essentially could be the initiation point of an overall slimming process.
Given the opening of free agency in 40 days, the clock is ticking for both franchises to expediently organize their structures. Especially, the Leafs, who find themselves in an intriguingly complex off-season predicament. They might witness a $22 million salary space materialize if both Mitch Marner and John Tavares, key players, don’t renew their contracts. John Tavares is considered more likely to return than Marner, whose contract would expire on July 1, making him a top UFA pick in the NHL.
Turning our attention to the Western Conference, where Stars hold a lead in the series with 1-0, there was an electrifying showdown last night in Dallas. In the beginning, it had all the appearances of another Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl special, with Draisaitl setting the pace through a breathtaking goal scored within the first 10 minutes.
Following the events of the second quarter, the tables astonishingly turned, Stars recuperated from a 3-1 deficit, firing back three goals within a six-minute power-play window at the onset of the third quarter. Stars have consistently showcased their potent strength through the playoffs, registering a 35 percent record after 14 rounds. The Oilers were harshly introduced to the Stars’ firepower, who dazzled with their depth in the offensive, overturning the game 6-3. From here on, the Oilers are to practice more restraint to stand up against the Stars.
In the same game, Mikko Rantanen maintained his lead in the playoff scoring chart, although only with a single-assist lead over Draisaitl and McDavid. With the Stars seemingly better equipped to handle Edmonton, compared to their previous six-game series last year that favored the Oilers, we’re set for an epic showdown. The next game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, tomorrow.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers assumed a 1-0 lead in the series after Tuesday’s Game 1 in Raleigh. The game produced a strong sense of déjà vu as the Panthers crushed Carolina 5-2 in a familiar replay of when they swept them off in the conference finals two years prior.
Staggeringly, this was their 13th consecutive loss in Round 3, which has put the Hurricanes at the brink of facing a fourth successive round sweep prior to the final. This grim reality has been unprecedented in the history of the Big Four sports. The closest parallels were found with the MLB’s Boston Red Sox and NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, who both endured 10 such games in a row. Yet, Carolina’s 13-match losing streak sets a new, unwelcome record.
Florida’s performance on away games has been commendable, averaging 4.75 goals which set the fifth-best record in NHL history. They boast of 17 goals in their last three road games, including remarkable victories in Toronto. This dominant performance showcases Florida’s strategic focus on playoff performance rather than accruing regular-season wins.
The focus now shifts to Game 2 at 8 p.m. ET tonight. In terms of Stanley Cup odds after Round 3, Game 1, the Panthers lead with 38% (last won in 2024), followed by Stars with 28% (1999), Oilers with 19% (1990), and finally the Hurricanes with 15% (2006).
Diving into the interesting stats as Round 3 progresses, it’s time to rank the MVPs. Players on series-leading teams are given bonus points. Dallas’s Mikko Rantanen occupies the first position, followed by Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Brad Marchand of Florida and Jake Oettinger of Dallas come next, followed by Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky, Carolina’s Seth Jarvis, and Aleksander Barkov from Florida. Dallas’s Thomas Harley and Carolina’s Frederik Andersen complete the list.
It’s trivia time: If McDavid snags the playoff MVP for the second year running, he’ll join an elite set of only three other NHL players who’ve achieved this feat. One each from the ’70s, ’90s, and the last decade although Wayne Gretzky isn’t one amongst them.
The trivia answer is Bernie Parent from the ’70s, ’90s star Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby from the 2010s, who have all managed to secure back-to-back playoff MVP awards.
The post NHL Playoffs: Day 34 Marks Key Leafs’ Restructuring and Intense Games appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
