TORONTO (Feb. 21) — This was happenstance you rarely see. Teammates in the National Hockey League; rivals in the most–hyped international shinny fracas since the “golden goal” that won the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Auston Matthews trapped in no–man’s land, between Maple Leafs linemate Mitch Marner (with the puck in the left–wing corner)… and the game’s most–gifted skater (Connor McDavid) cruising into the slot. Instinctively, Matthews circled toward Marner. Perhaps out of familiarity. Which left the Edmonton Oilers’ superstar alone in front of Connor Hellebuyck. Where no rival stopper wants to see No. 97. In an instant, it was over. Marner made an accurate yet fairly routine pass beyond Matthews… and McDavid did what all the great ones do. He buried the biscuit in the highest–leverage circumstance. Ala Sidney Crosby in Vancouver; Mario Lemieux in Hamilton (1987); Darryl Sittler in Montreal (1976). With Paul Henderson, of course, laying the foundation against the Russians.
Moments earlier, it was certain that Matthews had won the game for the United States, thereby likely earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Instead, the woefully underappreciated Jordan Binnington stuck out his blocker and barely deflected the puck. No. 34 was even–more uncovered than No. 97 would be at the other end. But, 34 missed and 97 did not. That was the difference in yet another international hockey epic, enhanced, in my opinion, by playing in NHL arenas and under league rules. Binnington becomes a free agent in 2027. He should immediately commit to the Boston Bruins, salary and term notwithstanding. Jordan won Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup final at TD Garden with St. Louis. Then truly earned last night’s narrow triumph for Canada. With the NHL and NHL Players Association evidently committing to an Olympics/World Cup roation every two years, this was probably the lone 4Nations event. If so, it will be remembered for the Perfect Storm of sport, politics and nationalism. With Donald Trump to thank (blame?) for so much of it. Now, we move into the final quarter of the NHL schedule — the trade deadline two weeks down the line; the Stanley Cup playoff slog beginning in mid–April.
If a fan of the Leafs, there was minimal disappointment in the tournament efforts of Matthews and Marner. Both performed increasingly well, with lots of help. Matthews skated alongside Brady Tkachuk and no player flanking a Tkachuk has ever not found open ice. As did Auston, seconds before the tourney clincher. Marner has long proven to be among the NHL’s top playmakers; he recorded primary assists on the second Canadian goal (by Sam Bennett), then set up McDavid for the winner. That Matthews “just missed” in a decisive–game circumstance was either rotten luck… or the continuation of a career–long pattern. Counting last night, he has only one goal in eight winner–take–all situations. The long face at game’s end, such as photographed, below, by the legendary Bruce Bennett, is all–too–familiar to Toronto hockey fans. Matthews needs to finally step up for the Blue and White. As he did for the Blue, Red and White. The excuses ended last evening at TD Garden (a familiar House of Pain). Auston cannot continue to flail when it matters. Otherwise, this era will be recalled for the most–egrigious waste of skill (and finances) in Maple Leafs franchise history. The clock is ticking on perhaps the final year of the Core–4.
Marner, as we know, can test unrestricted free agency this summer. He did no harm to his bargaining position last night in Boston. But, Mitch also needs to become more elemental to the Leafs in critical situations. His lack of size and yearning to get involved, physically, had minimal impact on Team Canada. Instead, Mitch cleverly darted to open areas. The puck seemed to follow him. As a tandem (including William Nylander), the Core Leafs have not been able to summon that “next level” of drive and competition. I’ve often wondered how Marner, Matthews and Nylander would fare if on different NHL teams. We got something of an answer from the M&M boys in the 4Nations. Somehow, the Leafs — unless Brad Treliving attempts a “closing move” at the trade deadline — will need to navigate four Stanley Cup rounds without anything that resembles an elite, No. 1 defenseman. I posted on social media last night a wistful message about “how the Leafs would look” with a blueliner such as Jaccob Slavin of Team USA (and the Carolina Hurricanes). He was a monster for the Americans throughout the 4Nations.
History tells us, emphatically, how difficult it will be for the Leafs to prevail in the absence of such a player. Particularly given the enormous gap between the Core forwards and the roster “fillers” each year. On the flip side, the Toronto goaltending has teased us. Between injuries and schedule breaks, neither Joseph Woll nor Anthony Stolarz has built long–term momentum. But, each has been terrific. As was Jack Campbell in the regular season a few years ago. Smilin’ Jack, however, couldn’t make a big, timely save in a critical playoff circumstance. It’s a gift that can compensate for scorers going cold at the wrong time. The Maple Leafs of this era have been devoid of such a component — with Campbell, Frederik Andersen and Ilya Samsonov. Perhaps that changes this spring.
Marner, of course, can sign a contract extension with the Leafs at any time. The $7.5 million salary cap increase for next season makes the move feasible. Strategically, however, I’m not sure either side wants to continue the arrangement. Which is quite sensible given the playoff grief of the past decade. The world is open to Marner, beginning July 1. His agent, Darren Ferris, traditionally directs clients toward the free agent market. What we don’t know is whether Darren is twisting Mitchell’s arm to prevent him signing, beforehand, with the Maple Leafs. Or, if Marner has long–ago decided to skip town. The player is in total control, with a full no–movement clause. If he allows Treliving to unload him before the Mar. 7 trade deadline, we’ll know he wasn’t coming back. Otherwise, this situation is fluid — with plenty of influence from the soon–to–be czar of all Toronto sport, King Edward Rogers.
Coming off the 4Nations, the Maple Leafs are in a solid position… yet hardly out of the woods. With a 33–20–2 record after 55 games, Toronto stands three points behind Florida for top spot in the Atlantic Division, with two games–in–hand on the defending champion. Yet, only two points ahead of the experienced and hard–charging Tampa Bay Lightning, winner of four in a row. The Leafs are six points above the No. 1 wild card in the East (Ottawa) and eight points beyond missing the playoffs. The Senators and Red Wings remain an ascending threat to all the top teams in the Atlantic. Statistically, however, the Lightning bears watching. Tampa Bay sports a plus–44 differential in goals scored and goals permitted (197–153). The Maple Leafs are only plus–13 (169–156).
Given those figures, that the Lightning has remained in back of Toronto all season defies logic.
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