The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is now a best-of-three.

Vegas was pesky once again, but this time Carolina found a way to get it done, earning a 5-3 victory in Game 4 to even the series at two games apiece. With the series tied, the action shifts back to Raleigh for a pivotal Game 5 on Thursday night.

That’s where the conversation started on the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. In one fell swoop, Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal — who scored two goals and now has five in the series — saw his Conn Smythe odds surge from 175-1 to 6-1. Meantime, Brandon Bussi, who was playing in the AHL at this time last year, turned aside 18 shots to help secure the victory. Frederik Andersen was a healthy scratch, with head coach Rod Brind’Amour saying afterward that he simply needed a night off. Understandably so, given everything he’s been through lately.

Meantime, there’s still not much new to report on the Leafs’ coaching search. With that in mind, Rosie shared his thoughts on the potential fit with Joe Pavelski. He’s not completely sold on the idea, mainly because of the timing. The pressure in Toronto is to win immediately, and there could be a learning curve with a first-time coach. That said, Rosie praised Pavelski’s leadership qualities and applauded the Leafs for thinking outside the box as they navigate this coaching search.

After that, TSN Hockey Analyst and former Maple Leaf Frankie Corrado stopped by to discuss Toronto’s ongoing coaching search. He explained why Joe Pavelski is an intriguing candidate, citing the success of recently retired players like Martin St. Louis and suggesting the Leafs should be looking for the next Spencer Carbery-type hire. Corrado also weighed in on the possibility of Mike Babcock landing in Edmonton, noting that while Babcock is an excellent X’s and O’s coach, there’s much more to the job than systems and structure. Finally, he discussed Gavin McKenna, explaining why he expects the Leafs to select him first overall and why he believes the superstar prospect is one of those rare players who simply “gets it.”

At any rate, David Pagnotta will fill in from Raleigh for Rosie on Thursday’s edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll preview Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, and Pagnotta will provide the latest updates on the Leafs and their ongoing coaching search.

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