Morgan Rielly has become the latest Toronto Maple Leafs lightning rod, with his play under intense scrutiny after being on the ice for all four goals against in a recent overtime loss to the New York Islanders. The latest defensive hiccup from the Leafs' longest-serving player made Rielly the target of familiar fan frustration, even as a more consequential issue lingers beneath the surface.
Speaking to media after the game, head coach Craig Berube acknowledged Rielly's recent struggles, but said he has faith in the veteran to get back on track. "Tonight was a tough one," Berube said, per The Hockey News' David Alter. "I know that, but he's played some really good hockey for us this year. I'm not worried about it. I think he'll get back to the level he was at. I do believe that. That's kind of where I'm at with it."
Toronto is all fired up about the Blue Jays. On wednesday night, the Blue Jays advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time since 2016 after they defeated the New York Yankees 5-2 in Game 4 of the ALDS. The Blue Jays have had an incredible season, winning the AL East, and now, they eliminated a hated rival in the Yankees on their own home turf.
