Hours after being humbled on home ice by the last place Columbus Blue Jackets, the Leafs were all smiles during the team's annual outdoor practice.
"A good way to start to turn the page from last night and for us to connect with our fan base and community," said captain John Tavares. "This one is always a lot of fun."
The team made the trip to City Hall via the subway, which caught commuters off guard on a sleepy Sunday morning.
"That's the best part," said winger Mitch Marner. "Walking through the mall too, a lot of people aren't expecting it. It's kind of cool."
"It's a good change of pace for us in the middle of a long season," said defenceman Morgan Rielly.
Players posed for pictures and signed autographs as they walked to the ice in full equipment.
The 'practice' itself was actually a 3-on-3 tournament. The players were separated into three groups: Team Europe, Team North America and Team Ontario.
"If you're going to come in after a loss like last night this is as good a way to do it," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "Beautiful day. Unbelievable turnout. Second time for me doing this event and you've kind of forgotten just how cool it is. A great opportunity for us to interact with the fans as well, but just to see and feel the love is awesome."
Fans cheered every close call and goal during a series of four-minute games, which culminated with Ontario beating Europe in the final.
"We wish we had more time that we could spend and do autographs for everybody," said Rielly, who is the longest-serving Leaf. "Turnout is huge and we're very thankful to our fans for all the support. This is a very fun day for us.
Marner wore sunglasses throughout the practice.
"Pretty sunny out here," he said with a grin.
"Well, it's right up his style," noted Tavares, who wore eye black on his cheeks. "It was bright out there today. The glare was pretty [strong] so he made the right play, which is not surprising."
Marner picked up two primary assists in Saturday's loss while logging a career high 28:05 of ice time. How'd the legs feel on Sunday?
"They still feel good, man," the 25-year-old assured. "You want to be able to play big minutes and help your team win. Obviously, it wasn't enough, but you feel good. You feel excited to be out here."
Marner, as always, was the showman. He scored a goal and did the Griddy dance much to the delight of fans.
"I grew up here," the Markham, Ont. native said. "Now playing here I've been loved by so many so for me it's about trying to give back as much as you can and try to make a difference in the world.".
Tavares was asked if he could envision being back downtown for a parade in a few months.
"Absolutely," the 32-year-old responded without hesitation. "You think about that all the time. Obviously a lot of work ahead. One day at a time ... but certainly that's what we're working towards. No doubt, from time to time, those thoughts come across your mind."
"We think about that a lot," Keefe concurred.
The coach was also quick to point out that Leafs fans have been pleasantly patient while awaiting a breakthrough.
"The thing that stands out is how passionate people are and how respectful and appreciative people are and positive about our team," the Brampton, Ont. native said. "Everyone's excited. I get that everywhere I go. I've never had a negative interaction with anyone outside of work and being about the city. I'm in arenas a lot with my own kids and you feel the love. And, for me, individually, when I come to work every day I know that I'm not coming to work just for myself. I'm a representative of Leafs Nation and I got a great job to do, great responsibility. I don't take it lightly for a second."
The mood was very different immediately following Saturday's setback. The Leafs blew a 2-0 lead during a dreadful second period.
"Just got outworked, outplayed," Keefe said.
How do you explain it?
"I can't," the coach admitted. "You guys talked to the players. I'm sure you asked them the same questions. I can't do the work for them."
Toronto got outshot 21-10 in Saturday's middle stanza.
"We just stopped playing the way we did [at] the beginning," said winger William Nylander. "I don't think we do anything intentional, but we just got to fix that problem with our game. We just got to keep rolling and not take the foot off the gas."
The Leafs have struggled against inferior opposition in recent years. Saturday's defeat against the 32nd-place Jackets was only the latest example. Toronto has also lost twice to the 29th-place Arizona Coyotes and 26th-place Montreal Canadiens this season and dropped games to the 30th-place Anaheim Ducks and 28th-place San Jose Sharks.
"It's been an area of focus, obviously," said Rielly, who is the longest-serving Leaf. "We've talked about it in the past, I mean, going back a while now. Truthfully, I thought we were really good in the first and then it's just a small lapse that ends up costing you."
The search for answers will continue in the coming week as the Leafs face the 31st-place Chicago Blackhawks twice and also host the Canadiens.
"We definitely have to look at this one and understand the way we have to be for 60 minutes," said Tavares, "and when a couple shifts, momentum goes the other way, how we have to respond and grab it back."
source: https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/mark-masters-outdoor-practice-allows-leafs-to-feel-the-love-and-reset-after-ugly-loss-1.1918416
