Toronto Maple Leafs Are Not Living Their Best Life

The City of Toronto is one of the hub cities for the first and second round of the playoffs. The NHL has ensured that the Toronto Maple Leafs do not have "home ice advantage" in every way possible. Some of these changes must be infuriating for the team's players and staff.

The Maple Leafs may be playing on their home ice, but the league has implemented several protocols that will prevent the team from feeling "at home". For instance, the Columbus Blue Jackets will still hear a cannon explosion every time they score, despite playing away from their home rink.

The Maple Leafs will also be required to give up their home dressing room on a number of occasions. They will be required to utilize the Toronto Raptors' dressing room and the media room that has been converted into a temporary dressing room.

"That's going to be quite challenging. I think we've got enough time next week where we're going to get that feeling."

The Maple Leafs are also staying at the less favorable hotel. They'll move into the Royal York which is quite far from the Scotiabank Arena and BMO field where players will spend most of their leisure time. The accommodations at the Royal York are much less advanced than Hotel X, which is another downfall the team must overcome.

How the NHL plans to ensure Toronto feels a little less like "home" for the #leafs this summer: https://t.co/hp35EfFW5o
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 22, 2020