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.
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Game Review: Maple Leafs can’t get a save, suffer gut-wrenching loss in Seattle
This road trip started with a promising win against the Edmonton Oilers. Now, the Maple Leafs will need a win in Vancouver, usually a house of horrors for Toronto, just to finish .500. After the Calgary game, Jim Hiller was about as curt as he’s been in his short time as head coach, clearly frustrated […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs can’t get a save, suffer gut-wrenching loss in Seattle appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on whether he considered pulling Sergei Bobrovsky in the Leafs’ 5-4 loss to Seattle: “No. Not at all.”
After a 5-4 loss to Seattle, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the late losing goal, Sergei Bobrovsky’s performance, the impact of the penalties, and the ongoing search for the right line combinations amid the injuries. Hiller on the difference in a tight game: I thought it was a close game. I thought we could’ve played […] The post Jim Hiller on whether he considered pulling Sergei Bobrovsky in the Leafs’ 5-4 loss to Seattle: “No. Not at all.” appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Seattle Kraken — Game #15 Projected Lines, Preview & TV Info
The Maple Leafs head into Game 15 against the 7‑4‑1 Seattle Kraken on Oct. 28, 2026, after a rough outing in Calgary and the loss of Kraken forward Kirill Marchenko. Toronto must counter Seattle’s bold challenge—coach Lane Lambert vows to silence Auston Matthews and William Nylander—to keep their playoff push alive. The preview details projected lineups, betting odds, and TV information (10 p.m. EST on Sportsnet Ontario).
“Bobrovsky is a notoriously slow starter who needs to get into a rhythm, but you can only take that so far if Stolarz is playing really well” — Anthony Petrielli discusses Leafs’ goalie workload on SN590
On SN590’s The FAN Pregame, Anthony Petrielli breaks down the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending strategy, noting that veteran Sergei Bobrovsky’s slow starts demand a strong backup performance from Anthony Stolarz. He also touches on Gavin McKenna’s chance for a top‑line role, Auston Matthews finding his stride again, and Easton Cowan’s rise, while assessing the depth of the Leafs’ bottom six.
Jim Hiller on moving Gavin McKenna onto Matthews’ line: “I hope he just feels comfortable playing with Auston… By now, he’s played enough with him and enough in the league that he just has to go play his game”
Ahead of the Leafs' October 28 matchup in Seattle, head coach Jim Hiller explains the decision to promote Gavin McKenna to Auston Matthews’ line after Kirill Marchenko’s week‑to‑week injury. Hiller says McKenna now has enough experience with Matthews and the NHL to play his game confidently, while also addressing the expanding role of the fourth line, the health of Dakota Joshua and Chris Tanev, and Nick Paul’s positional flexibility.
Game Review: A sobering night in Calgary sees Leafs’ streak snapped, Marchenko hurt
You are forgiven if you didn’t see the first-period result and overall outcome coming, given how this game in Calgary started from the Maple Leafs’ perspective. The Leafs came out buzzing, attacking in waves and opening up a 5-1 edge in shots. Jack Roslovic beat a defender one-on-one for a dangerous early look, the fourth […] The post Game Review: A sobering night in Calgary sees Leafs’ streak snapped, Marchenko hurt appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on Easton Cowan blaming himself for the loss in Calgary: “I commend him for taking responsibility, but he didn’t cost us the game”
After a 5-2 defeat to the Calgary Flames, Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller addresses the team's turnover woes, highlights Easton Cowan's self‑blame after a tough first period, and notes rising injury concerns following Kirill Marchenko's exit. Hiller praises Cowan for owning up but insists he didn't cost the win, while pinpointing the broader issues that let the game slip away.
Jim Hiller on Gavin McKenna’s opportunities to play in tough defensive situations: “Maybe he’s not getting as much as he might in a different situation, but it’s good for him to be around these players, learn from them, and come along”
Ahead of the Calgary matchup on October 26, 2026, Flames assistant Jim Hiller praises the team’s special‑teams play and highlights defensive forward Easton Cowan’s impact. He also addresses forward Gavin McKenna’s limited minutes, noting the young player benefits from skating alongside seasoned veterans and learning tough defensive responsibilities. Hiller adds that strong fan support across Western Canada fuels the Flames’ confidence as they head into the game.
The Leafs’ speed advantage, special teams excellence, and signs of a team coming together – Maple Leafs Notebook
Dramatic wins, blowout wins, and a first career game-winner for Gavin McKenna. This was a memorable 4-0-0 week for the Maple Leafs, with plenty to talk about. Now 13 games into the new season with a 7-4-2 record, it’s at least slightly sobering to consider that the Leafs were 7-5-1 through 13 games last season. […] The post The Leafs’ speed advantage, special teams excellence, and signs of a team coming together – Maple Leafs Notebook appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Jim Hiller on William Nylander hitting the 300-goal milestone: “I hope he gets another 300… He’s got lots left”
After an optional practice in Calgary, Maple Leafs assistant Jim Hiller praises William Nylander’s 300‑goal milestone, saying he hopes the winger adds another 300. Hiller also evaluates the Nylander‑Paul‑Marchenko line, the power‑play’s recent performance, Chris Tanev’s progress toward a comeback, and his confidence in Toronto’s goaltending. The interview offers insight into Nylander’s career trajectory and his impact on the team.
Luke Haymes’ late goal earns a point, Toronto Marlies fall in overtime against Rockford
“We didn’t start on time. We knew they were going to be aggressive, and their defensemen would pinch hard. The first 10 minutes they took a two-goal lead, and now we’re playing catchup. We’ve got to be able to dictate the play right from the get-go and not wait for a Danford fight to get […] The post Luke Haymes’ late goal earns a point, Toronto Marlies fall in overtime against Rockford appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Game Review: Maple Leafs put it all together in Edmonton, cap off perfect week with 7-2 rout of Oilers
Well, the Maple Leafs are now 21-5-2 against the Edmonton Oilers in the Auston Matthews era, and 12-2-1 in Edmonton specifically. This might have been their best win yet: A resounding 7-2 victory in which the Leafs came out flying, eventually took the lead in the final six minutes of the first period, and never […] The post Game Review: Maple Leafs put it all together in Edmonton, cap off perfect week with 7-2 rout of Oilers appeared first on Maple Leafs Hotstove .
Mike Babcock after a 7-2 loss to the Maple Leafs: “They played harder, longer, faster than we did… Better defensively. Better offensively. Just better.”
After a 7-2 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Oilers head coach Mike Babcock admits his squad was outplayed in every phase, praising the Leafs’ relentless speed, defense and offense. He highlights the lack of bottom‑six scoring and power‑play production, noting that Toronto’s depth contributors like Lettieri, MacEwen and Stecher made the difference. Babcock stresses the need for more secondary scoring to match the Leafs’ second‑best competitiveness.
Jim Hiller after the Leafs’ big win in Edmonton: “It’s not just Matthews, it’s not just Nylander… There are other guys there to support, and it’s a pretty good feeling right now”
After a dominant 7-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller praised the team's defensive grit, citing key saves and shot‑blocks, and highlighted goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s standout performance. He emphasized the expanding scoring depth beyond Auston Matthews and Mitchell Nylander, noting that multiple players are stepping up. Hiller’s remarks underscore a growing confidence in Toronto’s overall game plan as they build momentum early in the season.
Jim Hiller on Auston Matthews’ progression since he first coached him in Toronto: “Now you’re seeing an outstanding two-way player who’s still a great offensive threat”
Ahead of the Oct. 24 game in Edmonton, Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller praises Auston Matthews’ transformation into an elite two‑way talent while still delivering offensive firepower. Hiller also tackles the challenge of containing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, highlights Nick Paul’s impact, and confirms Anthony Stolarz will start in net with Mermis in the lineup.
“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
Maple Leafs analyst Anthony Petrielli tells Sportsnet 590 that the team's three‑game winning streak isn’t threatened by the absence of its two top wingers alongside Auston Matthews. He highlights Easton Cowan’s breakout, Jack Roslovic’s hot start, Nick Paul’s new role as a second‑line center, and Gavin McKenna’s line chemistry, while flagging defensive and goaltending worries before the upcoming Edmonton game on Oct. 24, 2026.
Jim Hiller on facing off against Mike Babcock in Edmonton: “It’s nice to have him back”
After Friday’s practice, Maple Leafs assistant Jim Hiller previewed the team's Thursday clash with the Edmonton Oilers, noting the return of former Leafs coach Mike Babcock and his new partner D.J. Smith. Hiller highlighted Darren Raddysh’s recent impact, the limited blue‑line options after injuries to Nick Blankenburg and Marshall Rifai, and his plan to give the McKenna‑Sissons‑Lettieri line extra offensive‑zone minutes. He also weighed in on Connor McDavid’s current play, sparking debate among fans.
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”
Oilers head coach Mike Babcock opens up about confronting his former Maple Leafs players and head coach Jim Hiller, reflecting on his 2019 dismissal in Toronto. He downplays the past, likening it to “the Beatles breaking up,” and shifts focus to Edmonton’s current injury woes and the team’s promising start in the first 10 games of the season. Babcock also touches on his renewed passion for coaching and the evolving dynamics between the two organizations.
Räty’s first Marlies goal, Holinka’s first AHL assist, and other notable performances in a fourth-straight victory over Hamilton
The Toronto Marlies steamroll the Hamilton Hammerheads 4‑1 for their fourth straight win, extending a perfect 4‑0‑0 season record against the Hammers. Goalie Samuel Hlavaj earns first‑star honors after a key early stop on Matthew Highmore, while rookie forward Aleksi Räty nets his first Marlies goal and defenseman Filip Holinka records his first AHL assist. Toronto dominates throughout, with the decisive scoring burst coming in the second period.
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”
Coach Jim Hiller praises rookie forward Easton Cowan for his steady play this season, noting only minor lapses amid an overall “very, very consistent” performance. In the pre‑game interview before Thursday’s matchup with the Rangers, Hiller also covers Jake McCabe’s narrow escape from a serious eye injury, updates on defenseman Marshall Rifai, and reflects on the career growth of stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
Matthews’ rejuvenation, Cowan’s emergence, and the Leafs through 11 — MLHS Podcast Ep. 128
In episode 128 of the MLHS Podcast, hosts Nick Ashbourne and Anthony Petrielli dissect the Maple Leafs' 5‑4‑2 start, highlighting Auston Matthews' resurgence, Jack Roslovic’s solid play, and rookie Easton Cowan’s breakout impact. They also discuss Gavin McKenna’s gritty response to setbacks, lingering defensive concerns, and Jim Hiller’s lineup tweaks through the team's first 11 games. Listeners get a detailed look at the Leafs' early‑season trajectory and key roster developments.
Game Review: Maple Leafs’ rush offense roars to life, Easton Cowan shines, Morgan Rielly turns back the clock in blowout win over Columbus
The Toronto Maple Leafs finally unleash a dominant rush attack in a 7‑2 blowout of the Columbus Blue Jackets, snapping a puzzling early‑season trend of low offensive zone possession. Rookie Easton Cowan sparks the surge with a goal and two assists, while veteran Morgan Rielly delivers a classic two‑way performance, logging over 25 minutes and steering the power play. The review highlights the team's speed, skill, and finishing flair that now translates into a +5 goal differential after just 10 games.
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 the Maple Leafs’ 6-2 victory in Columbus on October 21, 2026, coach Jim Hiller praises rookie Easton Cowan’s three‑point night, saying the forward exceeded his already high expectations. Hiller also addressed Jake McCabe’s injury, Marshall Rifai’s insertion into the blue line, and highlighted strong performances from Kirill Marchenko and Morgan Rielly. The coach calls the win a "top‑to‑bottom" effort, signaling a promising start to Cowan’s breakout season.
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