The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a critical juncture in their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators. After blowing a 3-0 series lead and losing back-to-back games, the team is under pressure to perform in Game 6. NHL analyst Justin Bourne of Sportsnet has sparked controversy by suggesting that the Maple Leafs should scratch Max Domi and Max Pacioretty in favor of Nick Robertson and David Kampf.
Domi, who signed a four-year, $15 million deal in the offseason, has struggled to live up to expectations. Despite scoring the overtime winner in Game 2, he has failed to impress since then, recording zero points and a -1 rating with 4 penalty minutes in the last two games. Bourne believes that Domi’s lackluster performance warrants a scratch, stating, “Domi, see ya. I don’t think he is (scratched), but that is my lineup, Domi out, Pacioretty out.”
The suggestion has raised eyebrows, given Domi’s significant contract and role as a depth player for the team. However, Bourne’s argument is that the Maple Leafs need a spark, and inserting Robertson and Kampf could provide the necessary boost. Robertson, a young and energetic player, has shown promise in his limited NHL experience, while Kampf has been a solid defensive forward for the team.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has a different approach, believing that the team needs everyone, not just their star players, to step up to get the job done. “It’s on everybody on the team,” Berube said. “We’re a team, it’s on the whole team. It’s not just four guys.” Berube also emphasized the need for the team to be better on offense and capitalize on their chances.
Domi, who has been a key depth player for the Maple Leafs, has a different perspective. He believes that the team is a special group, with a great mix of veteran leaders and young talent. “What he does on a day-to-day basis is absolutely incredible,” Domi said about Auston Matthews. “We want to just help support him in any way we can, and we’re very lucky to have him.”
The debate surrounding Domi’s role in the team highlights the challenges faced by the Maple Leafs in their playoff series. With the team struggling to find consistency and depth scoring, Berube will need to make tough decisions to get the team back on track. While scratching Domi may be a surprise, it’s clear that the Maple Leafs need a change in momentum to avoid further embarrassment.
As the series shifts to Ottawa for Game 6, the Maple Leafs will need to regroup and refocus if they want to advance to the next round. Will Berube take Bourne’s advice and shake up his lineup, or will he stick with the same players who have underperformed? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Maple Leafs need a win in Game 6 to keep their season alive.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting. Can the Maple Leafs bounce back from their recent losses and make a push for the next round? The answer lies in their ability to work together as a team and capitalize on their chances. As Berube said, “There’s things that we can do better offensively that we need to look at and go and do them.” The question is, will it be enough to save their season?
Game 6 is set for May 1 at 7 p.m. ET, and the Maple Leafs will need to be at their best if they want to extend the series. With the current state of the team, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen next. One thing is certain, though – the Maple Leafs need a change, and they need it fast.
