A few things I want to mention:
-Sergei Bobrovsky is playing by far his best hockey as a Panther. He, at times, carried our team last night and stood on his head during multiple sequences of play in which the Leafs were peppering him with shots and high danger chances. For whatever reason, Bob seems to rise to the occasion against elite teams in the playoffs. I can't explain it. When he is feeling good and pucks are hitting him, he's one of the best goaltenders in the world.
-Barkov has awoken. He's playing much better. Verhaeghe-Barkov-Duclair seems to actually be a formidable first line now. I think Duke has gotten better and better each game since getting benched.
-Paul Maurice has these guys playing a rough and tough heavy forechecking game that is picture perfect for post season hockey. I don't want to hear it about this guy anymore. He was the right choice for the head coaching job and is proving it right now.
-We are witnessing a magical run. That's all I can say at this point. Enjoy every second that you can. The team, after barely making it, is hot at exactly the right time. We've just won 5 straight playoff games against the best this league has to offer. Five f***ing straight. If we grab the next one, we'll have our collective feet firmly planted on the necks of these Maple Leaf losers. Think about that for a second. We barely made the f***ing playoffs! Hockey is the most unpredictable sport in the world...
-We were outplayed last night but walked away with the win. That is absolutely huge for our confidence and for our chances in this series. With a couple nights to rest up, I'm expecting the team to come back stronger at home. You know the team is riding an incredible wave of momentum when they win games they probably shouldn't have.
-Toronto is both nervous and frustrated. You can tell by their body language and post-game interviews. Bobrovsky is in their heads. They're getting roughed up physically by guys like Tkachuk, Cousins, Bennett and Gudas. They're struggling to put the puck in the net and doubt has totally seeped into their game.
I think what we're seeing is the importance of team chemistry, constructing a roster than can win in the playoffs, goaltending and coaching. Our roster has been virtually untouched from day one of the season. Zito allowed these guys to sink or swim and believed in this group even when it looked like we were going to miss. The team is rewarding him (and us) now.
After each win, my mind starts to wonder about what we might actually be witnessing before our eyes and where this can end up when it's all said and done...
But, one game at a time...