BREAKAWAY BLOG

From Kevin McGran’s Maple Leafs emergency mailbag:

In the third period of Game 7, when the Leafs were behind 2-1, Tampa Bay was able to clog up the shooting area in front of their net every time the Leafs were in the Bolts’ end. As the clock ticked down on the Leafs’ season, every potentially available space for a shot seemed to have a white shirt in it. What’s the answer for this? Different coaching? Different players?

Mike in Jersey

A different coach in Tampa, one who doesn’t preach defence, is the answer. Selfless defending is what the Lightning are so good at. The key versus the Lightning is to be ahead early. They’re the best team in the NHL at locking down in the third period. That was the uphill battle the Leafs faced.