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Toronto Maple Leafs: What They Need to Bring for Game 5

By Vanessa Serrao

Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) leads his teammates to the bench after celebrating scoring against Washington Capitals in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) leads his teammates to the bench after celebrating scoring against Washington Capitals in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have definitely showed they have what it takes to beat the Washington Capitals, but they are going to need to bring an extra spark if they want to win Game 5.

Many hockey fans anticipated a clean sweep between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals. But many people forget that a team full of rookies is the team that brought the Leafs to the playoffs in the first place.

And the Leafs are playing a team that has no rookies. But of course, if they want to advance to the second round, there’s work to be done.

If the Leafs are going to learn from their mistakes, it will be from Game 4. It wasn’t all terrible, as the Leafs battled to the end and made it a close game, but to stand any chance at winning Game 5, they need to pick up the slack and improve in certain areas.

Goaltending

In regards to Game 4, there’s only one word to describe Frederik Anderson‘s game – sloppy. Even Don Cherry knew the goaltending lacked efficiency: “Neither one of these guys could stop a beach ball.”

Andersen has got to clean up his game and he knows there’s not much margin for error against the Capitals. According to CBC Sports, it appeared as though he wasn’t prepared:

"“He simply was not sharp and was unable to come up with a big save when his team needed it. The Capitals built a 4-1 first period lead but the Maple Leafs never quit, a testament to the determination of this team led by youngsters.”"

Despite the Leafs losing Game 4, Andersen is confident they are still in the race. This optimism is what he should bring for Game 5. He knows he has to help his team out better.

Defence is just as important as offence

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Game 4 showcased how the Toronto Maple Leafs have no problem scoring goals. The game wasn’t a complete disaster, considering it ended in a 5-4 loss.

But needless to say, the Leafs need to work on their defence. Things such as getting the puck out of their zone, execution, maintaining puck possession, winning faceoffs and competing from the start of the game.

Defence is something the Leafs have lacked this year. They tend to let players skate right into the goaltenders crease, therefore making it so easy for players to score.

Next: No Reason for Leafs to Panic Despite Game 4 Loss

But when the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a do or die situation, they seem to play better defensively. They need to carry this momentum throughout the whole game.

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