Jason Spezza saved the Maple Leafs' season last night with this incredible display

PUBLICATION

Liam
May 11, 2022 (12:18)

SHARE THIS STORY

Early in game 5 last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs were playing like the media criticism of their team is true. Off to a brutal start while the fans and media were questioning the heart of the team, veteran Jason Spezza stepped up to quell the team's worries.

Spezza was seen having a quick conversation with Jack Campbell after giving up 2 early goals. After their chat, Campbell went on to make 33 consecutive saves to make the comeback possible for the Leafs.

In the first intermission, Spezza continued to talk to the team. Multiple team members have confirmed, although would not repeat the full message, that Spezza again rallied the team with a speech in the first intermission.

The team responded for the 38-year-old veteran. Being personally frustrated from previous playoff losses and staring directly at retirement, Spezza has a lot to lose the season - or to gain. His veteran leadership to rally the team, even if to guilt them by showing a 38 year old can try harder than they do, he's truly invaluable to this team.

POLL
MAI 11 \| 359 ANSWERS Jason Spezza saved the Maple Leafs' season last night with this incredible display Will the Maple Leafs get out of the 1st round?
Yes, in 6 games	119	33.1 %
Yes, in 7 games	94	26.2 %
No, Tampa is winning	146	40.7 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 27, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) skates against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

2 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Surprising Canadian Team Emerges as the Betting Favourites to Land Mikko Rantanen

Feb 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser (6) skates with the puck during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

3 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

NHL Insider Reveals Brock Boeser Turned Down Five-Year Contract Extension from Vancouver Canucks

Jan 14, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves (75) passes the puck against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

4 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Craig Berube Makes Rare Lineup Change, His First in 24 Days to Handle Matt Rempe and the Rangers Tonight

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sam Bennett (9) celebrates scoring with forward Brandon Hagel (38) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the second period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

5 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brandon Hagel Spills the Truth About Team Canada's Secret "Champions" Chat After 4 Nations Triumph Over USA

Feb 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Michael McCarron (47) skates with the puck and scores past Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight (30) during the third half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

7 hours ago | By Julien Trekker

Reporter Reveals New York Rangers Looking to Make Blockbuster Trade for Big and Rugged Forward

Jan 16, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan reacts from the bench against the Florida Panthers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Julien Trekker

Red Wings Head Coach Todd McLellan Blasts His Captain Dylan Larkin For Poor Effort After 4 Nations Face-Off

Feb 27, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella reacts on the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Tom Banks

John Tortorella Furious and Goes Completely Nuts With The Officials After Terrible Call

Feb 25, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA ; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in first period against there Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

11 hours ago | By Tom Banks