Maple Leafs top 25 under 25: Nikita Soshnikov is no. 10

Soshnikov celebrates a goal at the Leafs bench - Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY SportsWhat I remember most was the sound.

It was the third round of the AHL’s playoffs: the Conference Final of the Calder Cup. The Marlies were in a must win scenario, down three games to none. They were not letting any shot get past them, no matter if it meant physical consequences from blocking pucks. It was a win or die game.

That’s when I heard it. This dull, loud, smack, from the impact of a vicious slap shot on his body. He dropped to his knees, and then went down, prone on the ice.

I vividly remember that sound. Even way up in the press box, which is quite distant in Ricoh Coliseum. it sounded like it came from…