‘Magical Monday:’ Maple Leafs move game time to avoid conflict with Blue Jays’ Game 2

The Toronto Maple Leafs game is played on the jumbotron inside Scotiabank Arena after the Toronto Maple Leafs season opener. (X/@MapleLeafs)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are moving the start time for their game on Monday in an effort to avoid conflict with Game 2 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) featuring the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Jays punched their ticket to the ALCS on Wednesday with a 5-2 win over the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the Division Series.

Currently, Monday’s Game 2 outing will either start at 4:38 p.m. or 5:03 p.m. depending on who wins the other ALDS: the Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers.

Originally, the Leafs were scheduled for a 4 p.m. puck drop against the Detroit Red Wings, but in a release on Friday, they said they would be moving the time up to 2 p.m. “to avoid a conflict and create a double header that Toronto sports fans will certainly be thankful for.”

Following the Leafs game, MLSE says fans will be able to stay in their seats at Scotiabank Arena to watch the Jays on the videoboard.

“The Blue Jays playoff excitement has captured the entire city and we want to help make sure that fans don’t miss a pitch,” said Keith Pelley, president and CEO of MLSE, in the release. “We greatly appreciate the cooperation by the NHL and Amazon Prime to make this time change possible and we all look forward to cheering on both the Leafs and the Blue Jays on Monday afternoon and evening.”

When the Jays clinched the ALCS, the Maple Leafs also had a home game that day, and allowed fans to remain in the arena to watch the end of the game.