Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 keys to advancing in Game 5 vs. Blue Jackets

Force the Blue Jackets to be undisciplined

What allowed the Leafs to seal the win in Game 4 was an obvious tripping call on Nick Foligno on Morgan Rielly even though the Blue Jackets captain would argue otherwise.

Once again we hear the complaints about Toronto not getting the benefit of the call but let’s not forget that the referees do not wear a Leafs jersey. If they want to get the power play opportunities they need to work for them.

Converting at 16.7 per cent, it’s clear the Leafs have a lot of work to do with the man advantage but it also speaks a lot to how much their play relies on being dominant at 5-on-5. However, you know Columbus will look to bring the same amount or even more intensity which could mean they might get too aggressive.

The other way the Leafs can take advantage of a lack of discipline is to be patient when things aren’t going their way and not let the Blue Jackets establish their structure.  This is what the Leafs eventually did in Game 4 but they can’t rely on a team to collapse like that again.