MAPLE LEAFS NOTES: Chris Tanev eagerly anticipates another provincial battle
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Chris Tanev will be have some battle-tested experience when the first-round series between the Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators gets underway
The rugged Toronto defenceman has had a taste of a provincial playoff rivalry, having been part of the Calgary Flames’ defence corps in 2022 when the Flames met the Edmonton Oilers in the second round.
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“Being in the Battle of Alberta, it was the first one in a long time (in the playoffs), I know the feeling,” Tanev said on Thursday. “I know how passionate fans are on both sides, and how bad you want to beat them and how bad they want to beat you.”
That best-of-seven series three years ago was won by the Oilers in five games and it marked the first time that the Flames and Oilers clashed in the playoffs since 1991.
Game 1 in the Battle of Ontario between the Leafs and Senators goes on Sunday night at Scotiabank Arena.
“The last 10, 15 games, it’s hard not to look forward to what’s coming (in the playoffs),” Tanev said. “You always have that in your brain somewhere, and it’s a fun time. All of us are competitors. When we get there, we’ll enjoy ourselves and be ready to go.”
Tanev has played in 60 Stanley Cup playoff games with the Flames, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks.
One factor for the Leafs and Senators that should benefit both teams is the short travel between games. Neither team will have spend much time in the air.
“It can help,” Tanev said. “In Dallas last year, we had some longer travel, and ended up having to stay overnight. You get home later (the next) afternoon, and then you’re waking up and you’re playing again.
“If you’re able to fly less than other teams, it can be a huge advantage for hopefully a long playoff run.”
Tanev was a fan of the Detroit Red Wings when he was growing up in Toronto, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Leafs winger Darcy Tucker.
Especially when it came to the Battle of Ontario.
“You have to love how Darcy Tucker played,” Tanev said. “Everything on the line, every shift, so much emotion and cared so much about his teammates. He was a guy that you definitely looked up to. I remember 20-some-odd years ago how he played and how intense he played.”
Tucker was among the Leafs who played the Senators in all four post-season meetings, in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004. The Leafs won every time.
THANKS, BLATCH
Leafs assistant equipment manager Tom Blatchford worked his 1,500th game in the NHL on Sunday in Carolina and the players have commemorated the achievement, wearing ball caps with Blatch emblazoned on the front. After the Leafs beat the Hurricanes, Blatchford got the team belt, usually reserved for a player who shone in a victory, from Mitch Marner.
“He’s the man,” Max Domi said of Blatchford. “Such an incredible human being. You look at our game and everyone gets caught up in what we do as hockey players on the ice. You lose track of all the hard work that goes on behind closed doors.
“As far as I’m concerned, being a trainer in the NHL is the hardest job out there. The lack of sleep these guys get, the ability to show up, always positive, always happy, always smiling, and the work ethic that goes into it is second to none.”
Blatchford is retiring after this season.
“Every day with him has been a real privilege,” defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “He’s a class act and a wonderful guy, and I feel lucky to have worked with him my whole time here. There are lots of guys in this room who feel the same. He’s one of the best to ever do it.”
STEEVES AN ALL-STAR
Alex Steeves’ fine season with the Toronto Marlies has been recognized by the American Hockey League.
The 25-year-old winger on Thursday was named to the AHL’s second all-star team. In 58 games, Steeves has 61 points (36 goals and 25 assists). His 36 goals are second-most in the AHL and are a single-season record for the Marlies.
In the AHL, all-star team members are voted on by coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 32 cities.
The Marlies have two games remaining in their regular season and go into the weekend seeking to clinch a playoff berth.
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