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Leafs need a journey to the Wizard of OZ: Heart

November 4, 2019, 11:47 AM ET [162 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It’s time for the Leafs to break out of this funk they are in. Enough is enough; this play is unacceptable and so is the undying nonsense from the media regarding Babcock. The Leafs will forever have a following of so called “fans” and writers who just love to jump on any and every negative they can.

When the boys are struggling (still above .500) the vultures are out and they will peck at any morsel of negativity the Leafs have to offer.

Let the haters hate.

The Leafs will undoubtedly bust out of this funk they are in and start playing some quality hockey. The talent is there as is the coaching staff and all that comes with it (eating, sleeping, and routines) should all be helping the players prepare for their game day.

What they need is an internal spark.

At first I was hoping Matthews calling the team out was going to rally the troops. It seemed to have worked for the first period, then it was back to more of the same. I can only imagine they’ve had some internal talks about getting better efforts from the team as well as results. They go hand in hand most nights; no effort, no glory. The Leafs have so much talent they can play a mediocre game and still end up with two points. We saw that Saturday against the Flyers, the Leafs put in a mild effort and still ended up winning the game (in a shootout).

I want more from our star players.

Guys like Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Rielly, Barrie and even Tavares need to grab the bull by the horns and take charge. I’m 100% counting on Tavares to get back into the Leafs lineup and set the tone. Enough of these feeble efforts, he needs show why the Leafs picked him as the Captain. This is his first big moment as the Maple Leafs Captain and I want him to set a blaze behind him on the ice. JT needs to come in and set fire to this elite lineup and get the ball of fire set in motion.

What are we missing?

I’m a firm believer the Leafs are missing nothing from their lineup when it comes to personnel. I’d still say they have the winning lineup, but they are missing something that you can’t teach. Heart. The Leafs need to show more heart, maybe they should sit down and watch a few playoff series from the Gilmour, Clark, Tucker, Roberts and Sundin era and watch how these guys play with everything their body has to offer. Especially Clark who to me defines what the ultimate Captain should be.

The boys need some time to become one. They need to rely on each other, back each other up, they need to stick up to the other team and fight for their teammates. Does this mean Matthews or Nylander should go out and drop the gloves? Hell no. They need to fight along the boards, win battles, and work together. The Maple Leafs need to out hustle, out work and out play the other team. Everyone needs to commit. The Buds need everyone on the same page and at this point of the season I can tell you without question they are not.

If Tavares can’t get the blue and white going it may be time for Shanahan to come down and have a little chat with the young Buds. They are a much better team than they have been showing and it just may take the Wizardry of Brendan Shanahan to kick the Leafs game up a notch.

The Leafs will play against the LA Kings tomorrow night starting 7:30 EST. I want to see the most dominant victory I can remember being a Leafs fan. The Kings suck. Time to kick them while they are down and ignite this team. The Leafs should have Muzzin back, Hyman will be soon and Dermott has looked good since returning to the blue and white.

Enjoy your week and prepare for the Leafs Nation turn around.

Thanks for reading.
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