Both Darren Pang & Carter Hutton like where Ilya Samsonov’s game’s at right now: Leafs Morning Take

The end of the regular season is in sight.

Unlike the solar eclipse though, you don’t need to wear goofy glasses to see it.

Just five games left for the Maple Leafs.

Carter Hutton filled in for Jay Rosehill on the Tuesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We kicked off the show by discussing what it’s like for a player this time of year. You’re either getting ready for the playoffs or gearing up for summer. Any way you slice it, it’s an exciting time for hockey fans.

Presented by DoorDash, the Appetizer focused on Toronto’s 3-2 OT victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jake McCabe scored his first career game winning goal while Auston Matthews potted No. 64 to match Alex Ovechkin’s single season goal scoring record. Additionally, we talked about the officiating. It felt like Sidney Crosby had the refs in his back pocket all night long. Fortunately, the Leafs PK was locked in once again going 5-for-5 on the night. Toronto’s now killed off 22 of the past 23 penalties. They’re catching fire at the right time. At this point, the Leafs seem destined for a first round match up with Florida. They’re three points back of the Panthers for second in the Atlantic with one game in hand and six points up on Tampa for third with the same number of games played.

Meantime, courtesy the Wendy’s Daily Faceoff Survivor, we previewed the second half of the back-to-back. The Leafs are in Newark to tangle with the Devils. Joseph Woll’s expected to start. In eight outings since returning from his ankle sprain, the 25-year-old has registered a 3-5-0 record to go along with a 3.15 goals-against and .887 save percentage. Suffice it is to say, this is another big one for the rookie netminder. All eyes on Matthews, too.

After that, brought to you by Douglas, NBC Sports Chicago/TNT Analyst Darren Pang dropped by for a visit. We touched on everything from Toronto’s current crease situation to Matthews’ pursuit of 70 to Connor Bedard’s bright future. Panger’s an absolute beauty.

 

Anthony Stewart will fill in for Jay Rosehill on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Join us at 11 AM ET as we recap Leafs/Devils, plus look ahead to the rest of the week for Sheldon Keefe and company. On top of that, we’ll get to the Great Clips inbox for another week. Additionally, NHL on Sportsnet/HNIC Host David Amber will drop by for a chat.

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