TJ Oshie thinks the Leafs season will come down to BUY-IN: Leafs Morning Take

After playing a lethargic and disappointing first fifty minutes against a depleted Blackhawks team, the Leafs scored three goals in a span of seven minutes – including two goals in eight seconds to tie the score – to earn a 3-2 victory.

All in all, it made for an interesting Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. How do you summarize such a match? They weren’t very good, almost terrible, but incredibly they managed to hang in there and find a way to get the job done. That undoubtedly wasn’t the answer everyone was looking for after Craig Berube called out his leaders after the game in Edmonton on Saturday night. For most of the evening they played an uninspired brand that suited a team well on its way to having their coach fired. Then out of nowhere they all woke up, and now Craig Berube can enjoy his 60th^e birthday.

Suffice it to say, it’s been a rough season for Chief and the Maple Leafs. Tuesday night was just another chapter in the book. Auston Matthews had another rough night, but let’s call it fair: he delivered in the most important moment of the game. The captain scored a goal and an assist, while William Nylander, who also had a terrible night, chipped in with two helpers. Joseph Woll returned to the crease and made 23 stops. In fact, Woll has now surrendered two goals or fewer in four of his past five games. Matthews and Dakota Joshua scored eight seconds apart late in the third, with the latter being the game winner.

Then 2018 Stanley Cup champion and NHL on ESPN analyst TJ Oshie stopped by to cover the Maple Leafs. For the most part, Oshie talked a lot about BUY-IN during the interview. Understandably, he used his experience with the Capitals as a comparison for where the Maple Leafs are now. First, he dissected the lack of response to Berube’s comments, and ultimately what that might mean. He then wondered if a coaching change would accomplish anything. Plus, it was fascinating to hear Oshie talk about the Capitals’ power play and what made it so great. Obviously, the Leafs leave a lot to be desired this season. Finally, Oshie made a long-term prediction. Spoiler: He thinks the Leafs will be right in the mix at the end of the season.

The Leafs now go on the road for three in a row, starting on Thursday night in DC. Bruce Boudreau will be on Thursday’s edition of Leafs Morning Take to help break that down.