Maple Leafs Officially Change Narrative Surrounding the Team Just in Time for the Playoffs

As we inch closer and closer to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs have really shown an increase in physicality. Mitch Marner stepping up in defense of his captain, Auston Matthews, on Saturday night was evidence of this. Surprisingly, though, the team has actually been quite nasty all season long.

Last night, both Simon Benoit and Steven Lorentz dropped the gloves for the Maple Leafs, each earning a fighting majors. That pushed the Leafs up to 12 fighting majors this season, which is tied for most in the NHL, according to Sportsnet Stats on X.

While not the most physical player on the team, William Nylander has really enjoyed his team's more physical brand of hockey this year. Following a 5-0 win over the Blue Jackets last night, Nylander sung the praises of his teammates, who have laid it all on the line, dropping the gloves for the sake of the team all year long. Sportsnet's Luke Fox shared some comments from a pair of Maple Leafs on the spike in fighting majors.

Morgan Rielly shared a similar outlook on the Leafs' bite this season. More than anything, Rielly believes that the team's willingness to drop the gloves stems from the players wanting to look after one another, rather than just going around and looking for trouble.

It's wild to think that the Leafs hold a share of the league lead in fighting majors in a season where Ryan Reaves has barely even fought at all.

With guys like Lorentz, Benoit, McCabe, Knies, Domi, and newcomers Laughton and Carlo stepping up and dropping the gloves when necessary, it just goes to show that this team is no longer weak, soft or easy to play against. Now, when you play the Leafs, you know it's going to be a battle.

With the playoffs coming up fast, it's going to be interesting to see if the team is willing to maintain this newfound edge that they've played with.