The Toronto Maple Leafs' practice facility in Etobicoke has become a hub of Olympic hockey enthusiasm this week, with players eagerly following the action from the Winter Games in Milan. As the team returned to work, their focus naturally shifted to the international stage, where Canada's men's hockey team is making waves.
Anticipation Builds for Olympic Semifinals
With a full day off scheduled for Friday, most Maple Leafs players plan to watch the men's semifinals closely. The matchups feature Canada versus Finland and the United States against Slovakia, promising high-stakes drama. Centre John Tavares expressed his excitement for the games, noting the exceptional quality of hockey throughout the tournament.
"The hockey has been so good all tournament long," Tavares said. "You get to the do-or-die games and what's on the line and how rare these opportunities are ... full credit to Finland and Slovakia with the way they have played."
He highlighted the intensity of the quarterfinals, where three of four games went to overtime, showcasing the tight competition and significance for all involved. Tavares refrained from predicting a potential gold-medal clash between Canada and the U.S. on Sunday, preferring to savor the upcoming semifinals first.
Marner's Stellar Play Draws Praise from Teammates
Mitch Marner's overtime heroics for Canada against Czechia on Wednesday have not gone unnoticed by his former Maple Leafs teammates. In a remarkable individual effort, Marner evaded three Czech defenders before scoring a backhand goal past goaltender Lukas Dostal, securing a 4-3 victory and propelling Canada into the semifinals.
Tavares was effusive in his praise, calling it "a hell of a play by Mitchy." He elaborated on Marner's unique skills, stating, "His ability to recognize the lane he had to take, then to evade the sticks and put the puck in the right place and see Dostal was maybe a little bit off his angle ... to put all those things together is a big part of what makes him a great player."
Forward Matthew Knies echoed this sentiment, describing the play as "pretty surreal." He added, "There's not many players in the league or the world that can make a play like that. He's an unreal player and it's fun to watch." Knies, who aspires to represent the U.S. at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France, also expressed excitement about a potential gold-medal rematch between Canada and the U.S., featuring Leafs captain Auston Matthews.
Berube Confident in Binnington's Goaltending
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube shared insights on Canada's goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has faced some scrutiny heading into the Olympics. Berube, who coached Binnington during their Stanley Cup run with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, praised his competitive mindset and ability to perform under pressure.
"He's a goalie that just comes up big at big times," Berube said. "That's his mindset. He's a highly competitive guy, and he really relies on that in his game. Effort saves and saves that he probably shouldn't make, he gets them done and he makes a couple of big saves. That's the difference."
As the Olympic hockey tournament progresses, the Maple Leafs' dressing room remains a focal point of support and analysis, blending professional admiration with national pride. The players' engagement underscores the global appeal of the sport and the thrilling narratives unfolding in Milan.
