In an emotionally charged game, the Pittsburgh Penguins couldn't close it out against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Kyle Dubas and Jason Spezza had an emotional response.
The Pittsburgh Penguins came into Toronto looking to keep pushing for a potential spot in the post-season this year. They have been making a late push for this year's postseason, and a win in Toronto would have went a long way in making the chances better. Just like their season, the Penguins were able to make a late push in the game to force overtime. However, Jake McCabe put an end to the game with an overtime winner.
While the Penguins got a point in the game, it was clear that general manager and former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas and his number 2, also a former Leaf, Jason Spezza, were frustrated with the loss. The camera caught the both of them reacting emotionally to the loss after McCabe scored the winner.
Backhand, forehand, five-hole. 🚨
Jake McCabe scores the @SUBWAYCanada OT winner for the Leafs.
Relations between the Leafs organization and Kyle Dubas went sour during Dubas' contract negotiation this offseason. It was speculated that there was a power struggle between Dubas and upper executives at MLSE, which ultimately led to Dubas leaving the organization.
Ironically, it is Dubas who brought Jake McCabe to Toronto last season to help the Leafs in their post-season push. It may have been McCabe who pushed Dubas and the Penguins that much closer to being officially out of contention for the playoffs.