WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.600 The Maple Leafs drop another game to an in division opponent and does Easton Cowan 00:10.600 --> 00:12.360 deserve more ice time. 00:12.360 --> 00:16.760 Hey everyone, welcome to Inside the Leafs Rob Long, joined alongside by Toronto Sun. 00:16.760 --> 00:20.960 Maple Leafs writers Lance Hornby and Terry Koschan and guys, a tough one for the Maple 00:20.960 --> 00:26.240 Leafs on Saturday, losing to the Ottawa Senators, a game where they played two pretty good periods, 00:26.240 --> 00:31.200 but the third period was a different story with the Senators pulling away and picking 00:31.200 --> 00:33.720 up the two points in regulation. 00:33.720 --> 00:38.880 Of course, the line of Gavin McKenna, John Tavares and William Neelander had, I guess, 00:38.880 --> 00:44.640 a better night on the stat sheet in some ways, Terry, but continues to be one line that a 00:44.640 --> 00:46.080 lot of people are pointing out. 00:46.080 --> 00:48.600 Just doesn't seem to be working for whatever reason. 00:48.600 --> 00:52.520 When you've got an 18 year old, you've got an aging centerman and William Neelander who 00:52.520 --> 00:56.960 on some nights you're not sure what you're going to get in the defensive end. 00:56.960 --> 01:00.440 Where do you go if you're Jim Hiller where you've got a couple of lines working in the 01:00.440 --> 01:05.200 first and third line and a second line that you desperately need to get going? 01:05.200 --> 01:10.640 Well, it's a small sample size right through three games, but it's not encouraging like 01:10.640 --> 01:13.320 you're alluding to Rob. 01:13.320 --> 01:19.480 The line is getting buried more or less defensively, giving up a lot of high danger chances, the 01:19.480 --> 01:24.240 most among the four lines, and it's not even really close. 01:24.240 --> 01:26.440 And offensively not doing a heck of a lot. 01:26.440 --> 01:31.600 There was a play the other night against Ottawa where it stood out, maybe because there just 01:31.600 --> 01:33.120 haven't seen much of it. 01:33.120 --> 01:35.600 Tavares spins off a defender deep in the Leafs zone. 01:35.600 --> 01:36.840 He crashes into the boards. 01:36.840 --> 01:39.360 Tavares takes the puck up the ice, he has to give and go with McKenna. 01:39.994 --> 01:43.354 really good scoring opportunity. You kind of got you to your seat a bit, then you realize, 01:43.354 --> 01:48.394 "Wait a minute, this isn't happening at this line." And, you know, outside of that, what, 01:48.394 --> 01:52.874 Lance's first minute goal for a knee lander in the opener, I mean, which was a hell of a goal, 01:52.874 --> 02:00.154 there hasn't just, there hasn't been that type of flash from 88. So, it's a tough call for, 02:00.154 --> 02:05.194 I mean, maybe it's not a tough call for, for a coach team holder. Maybe you'll see a practice 02:05.194 --> 02:12.954 day that there have been some changes or he sticks with it. But, you know, McKenna, to him, 02:12.954 --> 02:16.634 like, listen, I know there's a lot of adjustment going on and everything, but, you know, and we've 02:16.634 --> 02:22.154 seen some good flashy plays. But one of the other things that really sticks out to me is how, how 02:22.154 --> 02:27.594 light this guy is on his feet. And that can be a good thing for a losing and that sort of thing 02:27.594 --> 02:33.594 with defenders, but he's getting knocked off the puck fairly easily at times. And even from the 02:33.594 --> 02:37.914 press box, Lance, we can see a difference in size in the guy, right? And then we stop on talking 02:37.914 --> 02:43.914 about, I mean, what is this, 164. So, I don't know how you get around that part of it. How much, 02:43.914 --> 02:48.234 how much that has impacted what he has been, and hasn't been able to do. But I think we would agree 02:48.234 --> 02:52.234 that going into this and how things looked a week ago with the line and everything 02:52.234 --> 02:57.354 that we wouldn't have been talking about McKellen looking for his, sorry, McKenna, 02:57.354 --> 03:01.754 looking for his first NHL point going into game four against Nashville. So, I don't know what you 03:01.754 --> 03:05.914 do with the line. You know, does Neilander have to get a spark more? Well, guess what? We've been 03:05.914 --> 03:11.994 talking about that forever. Perhaps he does, but you know, it's a bit of a conundrum for an early 03:11.994 --> 03:17.914 one for Hillary and the staff. Yeah, first of all, I would say that you have got Neilander and 03:17.914 --> 03:19.834 you've got McKenna who both like to 03:19.979 --> 03:23.979 to dangle or try some fancy stuff with a puck. 03:23.979 --> 03:25.259 And that has been worked. 03:25.259 --> 03:28.779 Certainly McKenna has found out in the last couple of games 03:28.779 --> 03:32.539 since exhibition play, transition to real play. 03:32.539 --> 03:35.739 People are in big people and skilled people 03:35.739 --> 03:38.979 and skilled checkers are anticipating what he's doing 03:38.979 --> 03:43.979 and they're impacting him that way. 03:43.979 --> 03:45.459 Nylander's always been high risk. 03:45.459 --> 03:47.059 So we know that's sort of coming. 03:47.059 --> 03:50.219 When you have Tavares, who was great down low, 03:50.219 --> 03:55.219 but obviously struggles when he has to get back into the play. 03:55.219 --> 03:57.219 Those three things aren't adding up. 03:57.219 --> 03:58.059 Yes, it's early. 03:58.059 --> 04:01.219 I would predict and we'll have to see in a couple hours 04:01.219 --> 04:03.339 what they do, but I think one more home game, 04:03.339 --> 04:06.499 just especially when Jim Hiller has last line change, 04:06.499 --> 04:08.019 I think he keeps those guys together 04:08.019 --> 04:10.459 to see what might be happening. 04:10.459 --> 04:12.419 And if there's something, you know, 04:12.419 --> 04:13.539 it's something that sticks out again, 04:13.539 --> 04:15.459 then maybe I believe he's got one more practice 04:15.459 --> 04:17.699 before they go on the road trip to try 04:17.699 --> 04:19.819 and straighten those things out. 04:19.819 --> 04:23.299 So it is a lot different than we thought 04:23.299 --> 04:27.019 and certainly the first line has played better. 04:27.019 --> 04:29.139 Also, you know, there's been some chances 04:29.139 --> 04:30.979 that they've missed a couple of times. 04:30.979 --> 04:35.179 McKenna has put Nylander and a couple of other times. 04:35.179 --> 04:38.819 He's just missed that first in a shell point. 04:38.819 --> 04:41.139 I'm sure he'd like to get it done, 04:41.139 --> 04:43.539 especially after Stenberg got his first 04:43.539 --> 04:44.499 in the last couple of nights. 04:44.499 --> 04:47.739 So I have to see what shakes out. 04:47.739 --> 04:50.699 The other quick thing I'll say is McKenna talked about, 04:50.699 --> 04:53.459 I got to get inside more than Terry's point. 04:53.459 --> 04:55.939 He is pretty late, so it's going to be very hard for him, 04:55.939 --> 04:58.339 especially against really tough defensive teams 04:58.339 --> 04:59.499 to try and get inside. 04:59.499 --> 05:00.339 That's it. 05:00.339 --> 05:01.725 That's not his forte. 05:01.725 --> 05:02.485 He's a playmaker. 05:02.485 --> 05:06.885 He needs to be a little bit more sharper with his passes 05:06.885 --> 05:09.965 and know that some of the stuff he got away with in junior 05:09.965 --> 05:12.925 in the NCAA isn't going to work here. 05:12.925 --> 05:14.485 Well, one guy that has been noticeable 05:14.485 --> 05:17.165 has been Easton Cowan early on in this season, Lance. 05:17.165 --> 05:19.685 And I think some people are wondering if maybe that 05:19.685 --> 05:22.365 is the fix where you flip Gavin McKenna and Easton Cowan 05:22.365 --> 05:24.805 on the second and third line. 05:24.805 --> 05:28.405 But it does not seem like that could be the case, as you said, 05:28.405 --> 05:30.965 if the Leafs decide to keep these lines for at least one 05:30.965 --> 05:31.485 more game. 05:31.485 --> 05:33.605 But is there an opportunity here for Jim Hiller 05:33.605 --> 05:35.645 to just get Easton Cowan some more ice time? 05:35.645 --> 05:38.365 Because it's clear that he has taken a step here 05:38.365 --> 05:41.565 in his second big season with the big club. 05:41.565 --> 05:43.365 Well, discussed it with Cowan the other day. 05:43.365 --> 05:46.765 He certainly likes the extra power play time that he gets. 05:46.765 --> 05:50.525 And certainly he's earned a little bit more of a look 05:50.525 --> 05:56.285 somewhere in the Leaf lineup hierarchy. 05:56.285 --> 05:59.525 I think credit to him, he kind of flew under the radar 05:59.525 --> 06:01.165 with all the attention about McKenna 06:01.165 --> 06:04.245 and certainly came to camp in good shape. 06:04.245 --> 06:05.845 I really liked last night-- 06:05.845 --> 06:07.005 I'm sorry, Saturday. 06:07.005 --> 06:08.445 I forget which Ottawa is Saturday. 06:08.445 --> 06:09.405 Really got under his skin. 06:09.405 --> 06:11.205 And they were like a little stick exchange 06:11.205 --> 06:12.245 and bumping going back. 06:12.245 --> 06:15.965 So that's part of Cowan's game that, again, he's not 06:15.965 --> 06:17.325 the tallest kid in the world. 06:17.325 --> 06:18.805 I think he's topped out at six feet now. 06:18.805 --> 06:19.565 He stopped growing. 06:19.565 --> 06:23.325 But that's the way he plays as a puckhound. 06:23.325 --> 06:26.765 He has to expect that kind of attention. 06:26.765 --> 06:28.045 And I think it's a really good sign 06:28.045 --> 06:29.565 that he's been able to do that. 06:29.565 --> 06:33.925 Offensive creativity, I believe Jim Hiller used the term. 06:33.925 --> 06:36.685 He could be the straw that stirs the drink on that line. 06:36.685 --> 06:40.005 And with the way things have worked out so far, 06:40.005 --> 06:43.070 far it's gonna you know the temptation I guess is there to move them up but also 06:43.070 --> 06:47.850 that's a pretty good line with with Nick Paul and Sissons that seems to work 06:47.850 --> 06:52.070 really well so you know the temptation to move them up is there then the 06:52.070 --> 06:55.230 temptation to leave him there when the Leafs are playing you know with that 06:55.230 --> 07:00.070 line half decent offensively is going to be interesting. If they keep the lines 07:00.070 --> 07:03.870 together tomorrow night as they are against Nashville and a result is 07:03.870 --> 07:08.230 similar to what we saw like a one goal loss in first games there won't be any 07:08.230 --> 07:13.150 choice but to do it he's been there best forward top to bottom Easton Cowan has 07:13.150 --> 07:17.790 been and yes he does deserve more ice time. Does it come at the expense of 07:17.790 --> 07:23.990 Gavin McKenna on the second line perhaps? Do you you know are we sold yet on 07:23.990 --> 07:30.350 Jack Roslivick on the top line with with Austin Matthews? I'm not one assist for 07:30.350 --> 07:35.110 Roslivick through three games is that something that's a long-term fix their 07:35.110 --> 07:38.910 solution whatever the word is we'll have to see but the Cowan keeps doing what 07:38.910 --> 07:43.910 is doing you love what Paul and Sissons bring he should not be playing with them 07:43.910 --> 07:48.750 he's got to be a top six guy period and you know we'll see where it goes I mean 07:48.750 --> 07:52.310 maybe they come out of tomorrow night with a victory and you know we can you 07:52.310 --> 07:58.870 pump the brakes on that a bit no matter how that might come the Cowan's you know 07:58.870 --> 08:04.270 the tenacity the puck skills it's been a nice combination the kids never 08:04.270 --> 08:07.750 lacked for confidence mean my god he wins championships every spring right 08:07.750 --> 08:11.350 she had two at the London Nights and one of course with the Marty's last year of 08:11.350 --> 08:15.270 which was a vital cock from the Carlyle Cup run so 08:15.270 --> 08:21.630 Eason McAllen is a third line forward in the NHL 08:21.630 --> 08:22.775 And I guess there's a bit of a ring to it right now. 08:22.775 --> 08:25.135 And in that land, it says it's worked with Paul and Sizzens. 08:25.135 --> 08:29.495 But he's emerging more and more as less and less of a third line 08:29.495 --> 08:31.375 player, if that makes sense. 08:31.375 --> 08:32.175 But that's a good thing. 08:32.175 --> 08:35.015 That's what you want. 08:35.015 --> 08:37.615 If you're a Cal and you want to be pushing the envelope here 08:37.615 --> 08:39.815 and pushing Hilder's hand and giving the coaching staff 08:39.815 --> 08:41.375 something to think about. 08:41.375 --> 08:43.375 And if nothing else, it's exactly what 08:43.375 --> 08:44.735 he's done through three games. 08:44.735 --> 08:48.575 And I don't see him as a bottom six long term. 08:48.575 --> 08:50.855 We'll see what comes out in the wash. 08:50.855 --> 08:54.415 I'd quickly add that McKenna was very complimentary 08:54.415 --> 08:58.215 of watching Paul and Sizzens as a young NHL-er 08:58.215 --> 09:00.175 and really appreciating their forecheck game. 09:00.175 --> 09:02.735 So maybe he'd be beneficial to drop down there. 09:02.735 --> 09:05.615 I don't know how much of a good fit he'd be on that line, 09:05.615 --> 09:06.895 though. 09:06.895 --> 09:07.895 Yeah, you're talking about-- 09:07.895 --> 09:09.415 And you know what, you're right, Lance. 09:09.415 --> 09:11.015 Yeah, I was going to say just real quick, 09:11.015 --> 09:12.735 I mean, all we've been hearing about 09:12.735 --> 09:14.295 is McKenna's confidence, right? 09:14.295 --> 09:16.495 So maybe there wouldn't be a shot to it 09:16.495 --> 09:19.255 if there's a bit of a line change there. 09:19.255 --> 09:20.215 And he's a mature kid. 09:20.215 --> 09:22.015 He'd understand why. 09:22.015 --> 09:23.695 You know, he might need some coaching through it, 09:23.695 --> 09:25.335 but maybe it's a move that they think 09:25.335 --> 09:25.895 he could handle. 09:25.895 --> 09:27.735 I'd love to see. 09:27.735 --> 09:30.095 Yeah, we'll have to see how the line shake out 09:30.095 --> 09:32.175 as the Maple Leafs will practice on Monday 09:32.175 --> 09:35.055 before their game against Nashville on Tuesday 09:35.055 --> 09:36.615 at home at Scotiabank Arena. 09:36.615 --> 09:38.535 As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section 09:38.535 --> 09:41.015 below for Lance Ormby and Terry Koschan and Rob Wong. 09:41.015 --> 09:44.415 Thanks for watching, and we'll catch you on the next one. 09:47.495 --> 09:50.455 [MUSIC PLAYING]