But the Canadian men’s soccer team winning its first place in the World Cup since 1986 with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica on the road at BMO Field just one hour before the fall of football provided a beautiful sports scene in the decisive 5- 2 of Maple Leafs. victory on Sunday. There was noise between 18,939 at the Scotiabank Arena before the match and the Maple Leafs admitted that the football match was taking place in the locker room. “Yes, he was in the background. I stopped watching when he got to 3-cobb. Sorry football, 3-zero,” said Marner, who with three assists became the fastest in the history of Maple Leafs to reach 300 assists in his career. of. his 411th game. Asked if Canada’s result on the pitch helped the Maple Leafs, Marner replied, “No, we have too many Americans.” It was obvious, however, that the Canadian tightening had a positive effect on the Maple Leafs. Head coach Sheldon Keefe opened his session with reporters by congratulating Canadian coach John Herdman. Toronto captain John Tavares, who scored two goals with a second-period power-play set by Marner, was also excited that Canada went to its first World Cup in 36 years. “I saw myself driving to a full house (BMO Field),” Tavares said. “It was just a great moment for Canadian football and these players. I’m really excited. “The kids talked a little bit about it before the game.” There have been several positive developments for the hosts in addition to Marner’s playmaking in the hockey match. First, Maple Leafs did not give much space to the fast-paced Panthers. It is also clear that veteran defender Mark Giordano has had a calming influence on the Toronto back end since he was acquired before the NHL’s commercial deadline last Monday. Goalkeeper Petr Mrazek also returned with his second consecutive victory since resigning last Sunday. He stopped 30-of-32 shots. “We did not miss many opportunities offensively with solo rushes or anything like that,” Marner said. “We played well in controlling our gap, the attackers read fast and our defense also had big gaps in being tight, so overall the five players on the ice always played in sync there, and that’s why we talked. And what we had to do. So, just a good job. “ 2-1, Marner put Tavares in power-play with a 6:02 lead in the second period for career assists of 300 and 301. He then placed a pass in the box to hit Ilya Mikheyev for a third assist. “He’s the best I’ve ever seen,” Tavares said of Marner’s ability to pass. “His awareness out there is great. The way he sees a project evolving is two, three steps ahead.” Auston Matthews fired a long shot into the empty net with less than a second left for his 48th of the season. Toronto defender Morgan Rielly checked in with one goal and two assists as the Maple Leafs (41-19-5) won for the second time in three starts since the NHL’s commercial deadline expired last Monday. The Panthers (44-15-6) lost for the first time in three starts to Claude Giroux in the starting line-up after acquiring the former Philadelphia Flyers captain last weekend. “The games against them (the Leafs) will be high-intensity, play-off games,” said Panthers defender MacKenzie Weegar. “It will be like that throughout the phase against each team. It is an exciting team that is playing and we will be ready to go next time.” The Maple Leafs took just 11 seconds to give the 19,939 at the Scotiabank Arena something more to cheer for. Rielly passes the ball to TJ Brodie for a 1-0 lead. The Panthers tied the game when Sam Bennett found defender Montour in the reception. He threw a high shot over Toronto goalkeeper Mazek in the middle of the first frame. Florida snatched the lead early in the second period. Toronto’s William Nylander pulled a stick from Panthers striker Eetu Luostarinen and went to Ryan Lomberg from nearby Richmond Hill, Ont., For the goal difference. Then Tavares and Marner went to work to give the Maple Leafs a definitive lead. “We moved away from our game a bit,” Lomberg said. “Although they won, there are definitely some things we can change. Some adjustments need to be made. “We are not worried. We will return to work.” This Canadian Press report was first published on March 27, 2022.
