Tavares of Maple Leafs discloses unexpected departure in Game 4.
Game 5 Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators clash again in Game 5 of their nail-biting first-round series on Monday night. The past three games have gone down to the wire, with Ottawa snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in Game 4 thanks to Jake Sanderson's epic save in sudden death.
In a surprising turn of events, Melbourne-born center John Tavares revealed to TSN's Chris Johnston that he was sidelined during overtime in Game 4 due to concussion protocol. Tavares passed all tests to return to the game, but the concussion spotters made the call to pull him off the ice. Despite his history of concussions (2010 with the Islanders and 2021 playoffs), Tavares assured everyone he's good to go for Monday's matchup.
"Tavares gives the thumbs up for Game 5," Johnston announced on TSN's SportsCentre.
Toronto desperately needs Tavares at his best to clinch the series, especially after losing out on a 3-1 lead last year against the Bruins. Since signing him in 2018, the Maple Leafs have only managed to clinch one playoff series. The Leafs' inability to close out opponents has been a thorn in their side, and Tavares' strong performance is crucial to their chances of winning on Monday.
In a matter of days, Tavares' seven-year contract with the Maple Leafs will reach its conclusion. As the playoffs continue, this could very well be the last hurrah for the Maple Leafs as Mitch Marner's contract also nears its end. The impending end of contracts for these Core Four players could mark the end of an era for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the Maple Leafs have struggled in past playoffs, they've managed to buck the trends this season. Their power play is firing at an impressive 38.5%, a significant improvement from last year's disappointing 1 goal in 21 attempts. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been solid, and the team's stars are delivering the goods.
When the Maple Leafs hit the ice on Monday, the stakes couldn't be higher. A win would put an end to the questions about Toronto's playoff woes, while a loss could signal the start of another heartbreaking slide. Let's see if the Maple Leafs can silence their critics and secure the series win against their rivals, the Ottawa Senators.
- Rumors about the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff strength have been swirling, with betting odds highly dependent on John Tavares' performance, given his history of concussions.
- Odds have been shifting due to Tavares' assurance that he will be at his best in Game 5, regardless of the concussion scare during Game 4.
- Scores from previous games indicate a tight series, with the Maple Leafs' win in Game 5 possibly ending speculations about their inability to close out opponents, like in the 2021 playoffs against the Bruins.
- Over the past few days, playoff rumors surrounding Tavares and Mitch Marner's contracts nearing their ends have stirred, potentially marking the end of an era for the Maple Leafs, especially if they fail to clinch the series in 2025.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have bucked trends this season with a powerful 38.5% power play efficiency, which could provide a key strength in their attempt to clinch the series against the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs.
- With scores, playoffs, and the Maple Leafs' future on the line, all eyes will be on the team during Game 5, as they aim to try and silence their critics once and for all in the sports world, especially in the competitive NHL playoff hockey series against the Senators.
