For the first time since 2001, which was also a series played against the Ottawa Senators, the Leafs lead a best-of-7 series 3-0.

The job’s not over just yet, but without question, the Maple Leafs find themselves in a good spot heading into Game 4 tomorrow night.

Obviously, it was a positive and joyous mood to kick off the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take on location from Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata. I weighed in on the atmosphere in the arena. Additionally, we dissected a reported investigation surrounding Nick Cousins. Apparently, he fired a puck in the direction of Anthony Stolarz in warm-ups, and the NHL isn’t too please about that. Whatever. He probably stopped that one, too.

At any rate, after that, we dove into everything surrounding Toronto’s 3-2 OT win in Game 3. What a game, what a night. It was an electric environment —made sweeter by the result. Firstly, the Simon Benoit story is tremendous. He’s really elevated his play – in general – over the second half of the season. He gets up the OT winner in Game 2, and then follows that up, by burying the winner in the next game. Magical stuff. Furthermore, Anthony Stolarz was brilliant again. He made 20 saves to improve to 11-0-0 over his past 11 starts with a 1.53 goals-against average and 0.944 save percentage. Stolarz tied a Leafs record for the longest win streak by a goalie (regular season + playoffs). Meantime, the Core Four – who’ve combined for 19 points in the first three games of the series – has been a substantial story so far. Seriously, though, Mitch Marner made a ridiculous play to set up Auston Matthews’ first goal of the story. That’s dynamic stuff. Honestly, it’s weird to see the Leafs excelling at so many things that have plagued them in past series. They’re 5-for-9 in the series on the power play. Hot fire.

Courtesy Charm Diamond Centres, we had two wicked guests on the show. Firstly, All Elite Wrestling star and big-time Leafs fan Adam Copeland made another appearance on the show. Just like us, he’s absolutely jacked about where the team’s at right now. We talked about Benoit’s heroics, his fandom, the state of the Core Four, and where this team goes from here.

Then, Benoit’s OT winner reminded a lot of people of Cory Cross, who was the Game 3 OT hero in the 2001 Battle of Ontario. Well, I tracked down Cross and we broke it down with him. He talked Benoit, series memories, and he also broke down his infamous goal. Additionally, he gave his opinion on the team, Berube’s impact, some parallels to the great Pat Quinn, and if this Leafs team can go on a significant run here.

We’ll be offering up a special Saturday edition of Leafs Morning Take – LIVE from Canada Tire Centre – ahead of Game 4. The Leafs will have a chance to sweep away their rivals. Again. Join Carter Hutton and me at Noon ET as we preview Game 4. Also, Hockey Night in Canada’s Kyle Bukauskas will join me on location.

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