Maple Leafs Hotstove
Providing Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies news, opinion and analysis since 2008, MLHS is one of the largest, most authoritative independent hockey sites online.
Total reads
3,538
This week
0
Rank
#56 of 462
Published
870 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
“The Leafs’ two best wingers aren’t playing with Matthews right now, and it’s not even a concern” — Anthony Petrielli discusses the Leafs’ offense on SN590
MLHS’ Anthony Petrielli joined Sportsnet 590 to discuss the Maple Leafs’ three-game winning streak, the ripple effects of Easton Cowan’s emergence and Jack Roslovic’s strong start, Nick Paul’s fit at second-line center, Gavin McKenna’s linemates, and the concerns on defense and in goal ahead of the matchup with Edmonton. Petrielli on Jack Roslovic and Easton […] The post “The Leafs’ two best wingers aren’t playing with Matthews right now, and it’s not even a concern” — Anthony Petrielli disc...
Jim Hiller on facing off against Mike Babcock in Edmonton: “It’s nice to have him back”
After Friday’s practice, Jim Hiller discussed the upcoming matchup against Edmonton, facing Mike Babcock and D.J. Smith, Darren Raddysh’s contributions, the options on the blue line with Nick Blankenburg and Marshall Rifai’s injuries, and getting more offensive-zone time out of the McKenna-Sissons-Lettieri line. What do you make of what Connor McDavid is doing, with 31 […] The post Jim Hiller on facing off against Mike Babcock in Edmonton: “It’s nice to have him back” appeared first on Maple...
Mike Babcock on facing the Leafs organization that fired him in 2019: “It’s about 100 years ago, right? Even the Beatles broke up, so you get on with it”
Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock discussed facing his former Maple Leafs players, his relationship with Leafs head coach Jim Hiller, his perspective on his time in Toronto and return to coaching, Edmonton’s injury situation, and the Oilers’ progress through their first 10 games. Babcock on facing the team that fired him back in 2019: […] The post Mike Babcock on facing the Leafs organization that fired him in 2019: “It’s about 100 years ago, right? Even the Beatles broke up, so you ge...
Räty’s first Marlies goal, Holinka’s first AHL assist, and other notable performances in a fourth-straight victory over Hamilton
Netminder Samuel Hlavaj was named the first star, but that doesn’t tell the full story of this 4-1 win over Hamilton, as the Toronto Marlies dominated the Hammers for most of the game. The Marlies are now 4-0-0 against Hamilton this season. First Period Samuel Hlavaj produced a sharp early save on Matthew Highmore in […] The post Räty’s first Marlies goal, Holinka’s first AHL assist, and other notable performances in a fourth-straight victory over Hamilton appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotst...
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ depth scoring delivers in dramatic 5-4 win over Rangers
The Maple Leafs scored five in this regulation win over the Rangers, four at even strength and one on the power play, without a goal from Auston Matthews or William Nylander. Offensively, this looks like a team that’s not just talented — which was apparent from jump — but is now starting to smooth out […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs’ depth scoring delivers in dramatic 5-4 win over Rangers appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ third straight victory vs. NYR: “That’s probably our best game of the year through 60 minutes”
After a 5-4 win over the Rangers, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the fourth line’s big night, Troy Stecher’s game-winning goal, and Nick Paul’s crucial effort to keep the play alive late in the game. Hiller on the team’s performance over 60 minutes: I really liked our game. That’s probably our best game of the […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ third straight victory vs. NYR: “That’s probably our best game of the year through 60 minutes” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan’s reliability this season: “There have been a couple of little dips, but let’s be honest — he’s been very, very consistent”
Ahead of Thursday’s game against the Rangers, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Jake McCabe avoiding a serious eye injury, Marshall Rifai’s status, Auston Matthews and William Nylander’s growth over their careers, and Easton Cowan’s consistency. You caught a break with Jake McCabe. Can you run us through what happened? Hiller: He really got himself a […] The post Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan’s reliability this season: “There have been a couple of little dips, but let’s be honest — he’s been very...
Matthews’ rejuvenation, Cowan’s emergence, and the Leafs through 11 — MLHS Podcast Ep. 128
In the latest MLHS Podcast, Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli break down the Maple Leafs’ 5-4-2 start, the encouraging performances from Auston Matthews, Jack Roslovic, and Easton Cowan, Gavin McKenna’s response to adversity, the team’s defensive question marks, Jim Hiller’s lineup decisions through 11 games, and much more. Episode Topics General thoughts about this Leafs […] The post Matthews’ rejuvenation, Cowan’s emergence, and the Leafs through 11 — MLHS Podcast Ep. 128 appeared first...
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ rush offense roars to life, Easton Cowan shines, Morgan Rielly turns back the clock in blowout win over Columbus
Given the Maple Leafs’ speed, skill, and finishing ability up front — and generally how dangerous they’ve looked offensively early in the season — this was a stat that made absolutely no sense through 10 games: Early trend with the Maple Leafs…Excellent goal differential with play established in the offensive zone. Rush game, not so […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs’ rush offense roars to life, Easton Cowan shines, Morgan Rielly turns back the clock in blowout win over Columbus appeared ...
Jim Hiller after Easton Cowan’s three-point night in Columbus: “He’s exceeded my expectations, and I had high expectations for him… But he told me this is what he was going to do”
After a 6-2 win in Columbus, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Easton Cowan’s breakout season so far, Jake McCabe’s injury, Marshall Rifai stepping in on the blue line, and strong nights from Kirill Marchenko and Morgan Rielly. Hiller on a good team win: Oh, it was top to bottom. That is what I thought. Some […] The post Jim Hiller after Easton Cowan’s three-point night in Columbus: “He’s exceeded my expectations, and I had high expectations for him… But he told me this is what he was going to...
Vinni Borgesi scores first AHL goal, Toronto Marlies struggle to generate enough offense in home loss to Belleville
“It was a low-event game. I felt like we weren’t on our game for the first eight minutes. We allowed them to tiptoe their way in. We missed the net a lot, so that’s one area we are going to look at.” – Steve Sullivan You wouldn’t have guessed the Belleville Senators were the team […] The post Vinni Borgesi scores first AHL goal, Toronto Marlies struggle to generate enough offense in home loss to Belleville appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan’s continued growth in the NHL: “He’s taken a massive step… He has a high ceiling”
Ahead of the game in Columbus, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the emotions surrounding Kirill Marchenko and Matthew Knies facing their former teams, Marchenko’s recent play, Easton Cowan’s development, and Marshall Rifai entering the lineup. How much extra emotion do you expect in the first game since the trade involving Marchenko and Knies? Hiller: There’ll […] The post Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan’s continued growth in the NHL: “He’s taken a massive step… He has a high ceiling” appeared fir...
Matthew Knies reflects on his trade from the Maple Leafs: “I wish I could’ve experienced my time there a little bit longer”
Three weeks after the trade to Columbus, Matthew Knies discussed the shock of his trade from Toronto, settling into life in Columbus, and facing Auston Matthews and his former Maple Leafs teammates for the first time. The smile says a lot. Have you had this day circled? What are your feelings on the morning of […] The post Matthew Knies reflects on his trade from the Maple Leafs: “I wish I could’ve experienced my time there a little bit longer” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Special teams and Bobrovsky shine as Maple Leafs snap three-game losing streak vs. SJ
Quietly, the San Jose Sharks were 4-0-0 against the Maple Leafs in the Macklin Celebrini era despite missing the playoffs in both seasons. Inside those games, Matthews and Celebrini went head-to-head three times (Matthews missed one of the games due to injury), and Celebrini decidedly won those minutes in the run of play. Tonight, it […] The post Game Review: Special teams and Bobrovsky shine as Maple Leafs snap three-game losing streak vs. SJ appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on snapping the losing streak vs. San Jose: “We had to be gutsy to win that game… Good win for our team”
After a 3-1 win over San Jose, Jim Hiller discussed Auston Matthews’ response to an early mistake, Gavin McKenna delivering in a big moment, Easton Cowan’s matchup assignment, and another strong night for the penalty kill. Hiller on the biggest key to pulling out the win: I thought we stuck with it. We had some […] The post Jim Hiller on snapping the losing streak vs. San Jose: “We had to be gutsy to win that game… Good win for our team” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ fourth line: “We’ve got to take our cue from them a little bit… They played a little bit greasier (vs. NYI), and that’s what we need to do”
Ahead of Monday’s game against the Sharks, Jim Hiller discussed Artur Akhtyamov’s call-up, Vinni Lettieri’s opportunity, William Nylander’s status, Gavin McKenna’s confidence, and the need to build on the fourth line’s recent performance. What do you like about Vinni Lettieri, and what are you hoping he can bring tonight? Hiller: I think we talked about […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ fourth line: “We’ve got to take our cue from them a little bit… They played a little bit greasier (vs....
The Atlantic isn’t waiting, and the Leafs are still searching for their game — Maple Leafs Notebook
Nine games into the season, with six of them played at home, a 3–4–2 record with only two regulation wins is not exactly the start the Maple Leafs envisioned. That makes the Leafs the only team below .500 in the Atlantic Division. That’s what happens when you play three home games against divisional rivals and […] The post The Atlantic isn’t waiting, and the Leafs are still searching for their game — Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Maple Leafs recall Vinni Lettieri in search of more depth scoring
Now listed on the Maple Leafs’ official roster, veteran winger Vinni Lettieri has earned an opportunity with the big club after a majorly clutch Calder Cup run and a red-hot start with the Marlies this season. With John Tavares sidelined week-to-week, the Maple Leafs have an opening in their top nine and a need to […] The post Maple Leafs recall Vinni Lettieri in search of more depth scoring appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Miroslav Holinka scores first AHL goal as Toronto Marlies extend winning streak to four in Belleville
The Toronto Marlies continue to find ways to win amid a great start to their regular season. In Belleville on Saturday, the momentum swung multiple times as the two teams combined for nine goals. The Marlies bounced back from a terrible start and dominated most of the five-on-five action en route to a 5-4 overtime […] The post Miroslav Holinka scores first AHL goal as Toronto Marlies extend winning streak to four in Belleville appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ offense hits a wall against stingy Islanders
The Maple Leafs’ offense hit the skids in a low-event game against the Islanders, who were down to 10 forwards after the first period. At five-on-five, the Maple Leafs generated just six high-danger chances (by Natural Stat Trick’s count) before garbage time late on, and none came from the top line in 11 minutes of […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs’ offense hits a wall against stingy Islanders appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ loss to an Isles team down to 10 forwards: “They could have their full lineup in there, and our lack of fortitude to get to the inside makes it disappointing in any case”
After a 4-1 loss to the Islanders, head coach Jim Hiller discussed his team’s slow night offensively, the team’s spirit after a third consecutive loss, Gavin McKenna’s performance, and the latest on Chris Tanev’s status. Hiller on the Leafs’ inability to generate enough offensively: They played a good game. It didn’t surprise us at all. […] The post Jim Hiller on the Leafs’ loss to an Isles team down to 10 forwards: “They could have their full lineup in there, and our lack of fortitude to ge...
Jim Hiller on his trust level in Gavin McKenna’s defensive play: “I would look at his ice time up until the last game, and I would use that as a bit of an indicator… He’s played quite a bit”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Islanders, Jim Hiller discussed his conversation with Gavin McKenna after the Buffalo game, John Tavares’ injury, Easton Cowan’s growing responsibilities, and the need to play more aggressively when protecting a lead. What was your conversation with Gavin McKenna like? What was your message coming off the other day? Hiller: […] The post Jim Hiller on his trust level in Gavin McKenna’s defensive play: “I would look at his ice time up until the last game, a...
Gavin McKenna on Jim Hiller benching him against the Sabres: “He said it had nothing to do with my play, which is obviously nice to know… I trust him”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Islanders, Gavin McKenna discussed sitting for the second half of the Buffalo game, his conversation with Jim Hiller, the support from his teammates, and stepping onto the top power-play unit in John Tavares’ absence. What was your takeaway from how things went the other night and not playing the […] The post Gavin McKenna on Jim Hiller benching him against the Sabres: “He said it had nothing to do with my play, which is obviously nice to know… I trust hi...
Brendan Brisson scores first professional hat trick, Toronto Marlies complete weekend sweep of Hamilton
The Toronto Marlies extended their winning streak to three games despite blowing a two-goal lead in Hamilton last weekend. Brendan Brisson’s hat trick included the game-winner, and his finishing made the difference in the 5-2 victory (two-empty netters). First Period Bad blood from the previous game carried over into the start of this encounter. Philippe […] The post Brendan Brisson scores first professional hat trick, Toronto Marlies complete weekend sweep of Hamilton appeared first on Mapl...
Game Review: Maple Leafs sit back, throw away Marchenko’s hat-trick night in the third period vs. Buffalo
As bizarre as it seems to write about a 21-year-old second-year player, most of the rest of the team needs to watch the tape of Easton Cowan in the first half of the third period. Cowan was one of the few Leafs still actively trying to play the game rather than standing around and hoping […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs sit back, throw away Marchenko’s hat-trick night in the third period vs. Buffalo appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Displaying items 1-25 of 870 in total