"To kick off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take, we discussed Tuesday night's OT win before transitioning into a conversation about who the Leafs team MVP is at the quarter-mark of the season. Unsurprisingly, we both agreed that it was John Tavares. The 35-year-old has had an incredible start to the season. Furthermore, he demonstrated unbelievable determination and fight in the sequence that led to Nylander's nasty winner against the Blues."
"After that, we began to preview Toronto's final home game before they head on the road for 6 straight games. Three weeks ago, on the night Tavares potted No. 500, the Blue Jackets thoroughly embarrassed the Leafs 6-3. They're a fast team that plays with pace. This will be a difficult matchup for the undermanned Leafs. Joseph Woll will get the call. He's been superb in his two outings to kick off his 2025-26 campaign."
"Meantime, I had a chance to do a 1-on-1 with Nick Robertson at Leafs practice on Wednesday. He'll start on a line with Max Domi and Bobby McMann. My interaction with Robertson was a lot of fun. He was very direct and candid with his hot start, the team's struggles, and what he ultimately wants long-term. We even talked about the Scratch and Score phenomenon, and also handicapped the chances of the Robertson brothers starting a podcast together one day."
"Then, former NHLer turned top-flight analyst Ray Ferraro dropped by. As per usual, he offered up some phenomenal insight. Firstly, he weighed in on the Leafs - as a whole - through 20 games. We talked about the standings a bit, too. Over and above all that, he dished on Tavares' brilliance, Nylander's weird start, Auston Matthews' status moving forward, and what the Leafs need to do to get back on track."
The Leafs won in overtime, with John Tavares displaying determination that helped create William Nylander's winning goal. Tavares stands out as the team's quarter-mark MVP after an exceptional early-season start. Toronto plays its final home game before six straight road games against a Columbus Blue Jackets club that previously beat the Leafs 6-3 and emphasizes pace. Joseph Woll will start in goal after strong early performances. Scott Laughton replaces Blais and Calle Jarnkrok gets a look with Nylander and Tavares. Nick Robertson will start with Max Domi and Bobby McMann and spoke candidly about his progress and goals. Analyst Ray Ferraro assessed the team through 20 games, noted key player situations, and outlined what the Leafs must do to get back on track.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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