Morgan Rielly’s Suspension Sparking Maple Leafs’ Best Stretch

When Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly was handed a five-game suspension for a cross-check, many wondered how this would impact the Maple Leafs defense. Being without your best defenseman this season is definitely a big loss and they needed to turn things around after once again losing crucial points to a team lower than them in the standings. 

However, it’s the team’s mindset that’s at the forefront of his reaction to a classless move, may have created a spark and motivated this team. After going 5-0 in his absence and a dominating effort in his return against the defending Stanley Cup Champions Vegas Golden Knights, the Maple Leafs definitely used that to their advantage as they’re getting contributions from everyone. Both in terms of production and in regards to their mentality and ability to play with more aggression. 

Given how the team has been inconsistent all season, this is the most consistent stretch of hockey we’ve seen from them and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With the All-Star break in the rear-view mirror, now is the time to play like you’re ready for the playoffs and this stretch shows that they are.

Suspension Lit a Fire

With the resurgence in their play, the Maple Leafs were on another level during Rielly’s absence. It started with a physical and strong defensive effort in a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Then came Auston Matthews leading the charge against the Philadelphia Flyers in a 4-3 overtime win. That was followed by another collective group effort in a one-sided 9-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. They followed that up with another win against the Blues to win 4-2 and then a 6-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes. 

In each game there were different reasons why they won. From the hottest goal scorer in the league taking charge, to one of if not their best overall game of the season, the Maple Leafs are playing with a sense of purpose during this stretch and it’s even made its way into the locker room as the players are starting to feel it. William Nylander says that Rielly’s actions had an impact as it “lit the fire in the team”. 

With Rielly not taking too kindly to what Greig did, the Maple Leafs should make that the moment where they need to keep playing with emotion and intensity every step of the way. These intangibles are critical during the playoffs. The fact that he had to take matters into his own hands to jump start…