Leafs' Rookie Stands Up, Culture Shift Needed

0:00You're listening to NHL News today, subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Austin Matthews suffered a knee on knee hit from Anaheim Ducks Captain Radco-Gudas late in the second period Thursday, night. The Leafs were trailing at the time, and Matthew stayed down before leaving the game and not returning. Gudas drew a five-minute major penalty, and a game is conduct for the play. Gudas has a long history of rough stuff, with 21 games and suspensions over his career, costing him big money. What stood out was the Leafs' lack of immediate pushback, while their star lay on the ice. The team ended up winning the game anyway, rallying to take the victory. Fans and analysts ripped the Leafs for showing no fire and defense of their captain. Players like Morgan Riley owned up to not stepping in, while William Nylanders said he missed the full impact. Which Craig Baroube pointed out that four guys should have jumped in right away. Later, with the score at five to three, Ducks' defenseman Jackson-Lakome laid a clean

1:03but heavy hit on Leafs forward, Nicholas Robertson. This time, 20-year-old rookie Easton Cowan responded fast, dropping the gloves and trading punches with the bigger player. Cowan scrap has sparked talk of a needed culture shift for the Leafs, who have struggled this season. It showed the grit missing from the group lately, though many say it shouldn't fall on a young guy to lead that charge. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. A pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Help for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com