Andi Petrillo on her new book, & how’s Auston Matthews doing?: Leafs Morning Take

Is this real life, or is it just fantasy?

The Toronto Blue Jays are now just one win away from their third World Series in franchise history.

Thank goodness we’re all anchored in their amazing story, because it was an October to forget for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, it was more of the same in Columbus on Wednesday night. Obviously, Jays talk from the top aside, that’s where the conversation started on Thursday’s edition of Leafs Morning Take. The Leafs were humbled by the Blue Jackets. Have a drink.

First off, the Leafs have now surrendered five goals or more in five of their past seven games against Columbus. Yes, for some reason the Jackets have been a thorn in Toronto’s side, including the playoffs. The Leafs beat the Jackets 38-24, but honestly that was indicative of the game. The Leafs were sloppy. Game after game they continue to play defense that would make a beer league team lick their chops. This is unacceptable. The saving grace is that this team always starts slow. They are 5-5-1, and most importantly they are off to a better start than both Florida and Tampa. It was a tough night for Cayden Primeau. He was very pedestrian. At this point they might be better off dressing Dennis Hildeby until Joseph Woll is ready to return to the game. Additionally, we discussed what’s going on with Auston Matthews. He had another mediocre night. In the meantime, we gave some love to John Tavares, who turned 49^e player in NHL history to score 500 goals. Sammy Blais was also very solid in his Leafs debut, with one goal, one assist, five hits and two shots on goal. The Leafs also lost Steven Lorentz, which will obviously be something to keep an eye on in the coming days.

Then Andi Petrillo from Amazon Prime stopped by to promote her new book (Just Call Me Andi: Sports Stories From a Trailblazer). Additionally, she also weighed in on Toronto’s 5-5-1 start. In the long run, she thinks things will be fine, but she said honestly that there is some concern. Petrillo specifically focused on the offense. At this point we have seen every line combination. It feels like Berube has no answers. No one can string anything together.

Finally, to wrap up, we talked a little more about Matthews, as well as Nylander. Let’s hope Willy can go to Philly on Saturday night. That game could be a telltale sign of where this team is now.

The Halloween edition of Leafs Morning Take promises to be a good one. Join us Friday at 11 a.m. ET as we dissect the latest from practice as Toronto prepares for their game in Philadelphia. Legendary Leafs play x play Joe Bowen will also make his first appearance on the show.