HENDRICK ON THE CHARGING MAPLE LEAFS!
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
With a 4-0 win over the Dallas Stars Tuesday evening, the Toronto Maple leafs stretch of positive play has continued, having gone 9-0-3 in their last 12 games.
The highlight of Tuesday’s victory was goaltender Matt Murray who made a season-high 44 saves.
“Big thanks to the guys in front who did a heck of a job defensively against a really dangerous team,” said Murray in his postgame interview.
The move to acquire Murray was widely criticized in the hockey world, following multiple difficult seasons in Ottawa.
However, the two-time Stanley cup champion has revitalized his career, posting a 6-1-2 record and a .932 save percentage in his 9 starts this season.
Veteran Leafs reporter Paul Hendrick had this to say regarding Murray’s form during his appearance on the Rod Pedersen Show.
“What we saw last night,” said Hendrick, “is a confident goaltender in Murray who obviously has plenty to prove. He’s playing with a better team, he’s healthy, and now confident and wants to prove this on a consistent basis.”
The Leafs have dealt with plenty of injuries to their defenseman. Morgan Reilly, Jake Muzzin, Jordie Benn, and TJ Brodie have all missed time this season. Victor Mete also succumbed to injury during Tuesday’s game.
When asked about Mete’s status, Keefe responded by saying, “I certainly don’t expect him to be available the rest of the week.”
Due to the injuries, opportunities have been created for players such as Rasmus Sandin, and Thomas Liljegren. Both responded with strong performances against Dallas.
“Those two guys had an incredible game here tonight,” Keefe said. “I think you learned a lot about their character. The team needed them to step up in a big way. They’ve done exactly that.”
The Leafs have gone through years of heartbreak. Their last five seasons have ended in the first round losing in the series-deciding game each year. As Hendrick explains these experienced have helped the players what it takes to win in the postseason.
“The team has bought into what it takes to win in the national hockey league,” said Hendrick. “You’re getting an indication that this is a club that’s gradually building to where they should be come playoff-time in april. I know I sound optimistic, but I think this is a team that’s starting to do what it takes defensviely.”
It took time to get to this point, but as Hendrick explains, the Leafs players are finally old enough to understand what it takes to reach heights they have yet to reach as a group.
“We’re finally seeing a hockey team that Mike Babcock wanted when he took over the Leafs Job,” said Hendrick, “but couldn’t get them to play the way they are now. they were just too young to buy into what Sheldon Keefe has them buying into now.”
The Leafs continue their season Thursday, as they host the Los Angeles Kings.
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+ TV, YouTube Live and WQEE Radio)
