Game 5 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs may have been the most impressive win of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Down superstar Auston Matthews, Toronto took it to the Boston Bruins in Boston with their season on the line. And as a result, Sheldon Keefe and his team earned one more home contest in Game 6.
However, Toronto knows this upcoming clash will not be easy. In fact, Keefe would be shocked if the Bruins came out as flat as they did in Game 5. “I expect them to be at their best,” the Maple Leafs bench boss said, via NHL.com. “They’re a proud team. Last night, we got their attention.”
Much has been said about the Maple Leafs and their playoff failures. Hockey fans are well aware that Toronto has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. However, what fans may be unaware of is their inability to beat Boston in the playoffs. In fact, the last time the Maple Leafs eliminated the Bruins from the Stanley Cup Playoffs was 1959.
No home ice advantage
The Maple Leafs persevered without their best player in Game 5. In Game 6, you could argue that being in front of their home fans may give Toronto the edge. However, Sheldon Keefe is not looking at things through this lens. It does not matter where the puck drops. All that matters is that his team is prepared for the fight ahead.
“Quite honestly, [being at home] means nothing,” Keefe said, via NHL.com. “We have to play the exact same way wherever it is. We’re happy to give our fans another opportunity to play in front of them, but we have to approach the game no different than we have on the road in terms of our plan and what’s required.”
The Maple Leafs expect the Bruins to be better. And it certainly goes without saying that Boston expects more out of themselves, as well. Superstar Brad Marchand already issued a challenge to his team after Game 5. With an opportunity to move on, they have to put their best foot forward. Failing to do so could see them return to Boston with the potential of their season-ending in the first round once again.
Maple Leafs still may not have Auston Matthews
Sheldon Keefe did not provide an update on Auston Matthews on Wednesday. In the end, though, it doesn't particularly matter whether he is in the lineup. The game has to be played either way. If he isn't in the lineup, it's up to those who are to pick up the slack.
Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit echoed this sentiment on Wednesday. “Other players have to step up, nothing else we can do about it,” he said of Matthews and his potential absence, via NHL.com. “If he’s not in the lineup or in the lineup, we just have to figure out how to win.”
All this said Matthews is still a major loss for Toronto. He led the team with 69 goals during the regular season. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Maple Leafs superstar has a goal and three points in four games. His goal was a game-winning goal in Game 2 that tied the series 1-1.
Auston Matthews could give Toronto a huge boost in a do-or-die Game 6. But in any event, Sheldon Keefe knows his team is in for a dogfight in Game 6. It all comes to a head on Thursday when the puck drops in Toronto for potentially the final time this season.
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