The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t show up until too late against the Vegas Golden Knights on the road. Despite a solid game from Auston Matthews, the result was a tough 5-2 loss. The Maple Leafs captain extended his point streak to 11 games. Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs were outmatched from the start, and that slow start cost them dearly.
Chalk this Maple Leafs loss up to defensive struggles. The Golden Knights dominated early and often, with goals from Tomas Hertl, Brett Howden, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, and Tanner Pearson. The Maple Leafs gave up five odd-man rushes in the first period alone, spelling Joseph Woll’s demise. He was pulled after giving up three goals on seven shots, with Anthony Stolarz stepping in to stop 16 of 18.
Related: Ranking the 5 Best Maple Leafs Trade Deadline Moves Since 2016-17
After digging an early hole, Toronto finally got on the score sheet with power-play goals from Matthews and Mitch Marner. But, as a team, Toronto couldn’t generate enough momentum to mount a comeback. Vegas goalie Adin Hill was solid in net for the Golden Knights, making 29 saves, including 16 in the first period. And the Golden Knights’ balanced play was too much for Toronto. After this embarrassment, the Maple Leafs must solidify their defence before their next game.
Item One: Goalie Woes Doom Leafs in 5-2 Loss to Golden Knights
Just yesterday, I lauded the Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation this season. The hockey gods were offended because Woll allowed three goals on seven shots before being pulled less than 15 minutes into the first period. His rough outing included a power-play goal from Jack Eichel, leaving the Maple Leafs with too big a deficit to overcome. Despite solid play in his previous games, Woll couldn’t stop the Vegas blitz and ultimately got the hook in favour of Stolarz. Head coach Craig Berube didn’t fault Woll on the night, but the numbers don’t look good for the youngster.
In total, Stolarz stopped 16 of 18 shots. However, he also gave up two quick goals in the second period, further digging the team into a hole they couldn’t scramble out of. Although he was solid in the end, Stolarz’s efforts did little to change the course of the game. Despite his strong play since joining the Maple Leafs, neither goalie was a clear winner in the who-should-be-the-starter contest last night.
Related: Auston Matthews Records 100th Career Power Play Goal Against Golden Knights
Look for the two goalies to share the crease unless one gets hot down the stretch. The Maple Leafs need a rebound from their goaltenders as they head into Saturday’s high-altitude game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Item Two: Matthews and Marner Extend Their Point Streaks
Matthews continued his impressive point streak, scoring a power-play goal in the second period. His goal pushed his point streak to 11 games. During those games, he has scored three goals and added 12 assists, including five points on the power play. With his latest goal, Matthews has 23 goals and 53 points on the season. He won’t come close to the 50-goal mark, but he consistently contributes offensively.
Despite his goal, Matthews echoed his team’s frustration. He acknowledged the poor start and their inability to match the intensity of the Golden Knights. As Matthews said, “We were pretty flat at the start … That’s on us. It’s a good wake-up call.”
Related: Matthew Knies’ Physical Play Is Powering the Maple Leafs Offense
Mitch Marner showed his defensive skill in Wednesday’s loss, picking off a pass and scoring to cut the lead to 5-2 in the third period. It was a timely goal, but not nearly enough. He has been on a roll lately, stretching his point streak to five games with three goals and three assists. For the season, he has now scored 19 goals and put up 77 points, putting him on pace for the first 100-point campaign of his career. With the goal, he is on track to hit the 20-goal mark for the fifth time in his career.
Item Three: Tavares and Nylander Contribute in Maple Leafs Loss
John Tavares and William Nylander also got involved in the team’s offence. Tavares recorded a power-play assist, setting up Matthews’ goal late in the second period. It was Tavares’ third assist over the past seven games. He’s put up a steady season total of 24 goals and 29 assists across 55 games.
Meanwhile, Nylander also picked up a power-play assist on Matthews’ goal. Since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off, Nylander has scored twice and added six assists over those seven games. He remains one of his team’s most reliable forwards, with 63 points (23 on the power play) on the season. He adds a positive number to the offensive stat sheet almost every game.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
Despite their tough 5-2 loss to the Golden Knights, the Maple Leafs have some good news on the horizon. Chris Tanev, who has missed the past three games due to an upper-body injury, could be back in the lineup for Saturday night’s game against the Avalanche. Tanev has been a steady player for the Maple Leafs this season. He’s scored two goals and picked up 17 points. But his forte is blocked shots, and he’s picked up 151 blocks in 57 games. His return would add much-needed stability to Toronto’s defence, especially as they look to bounce back from this recent defeat.
Related: Ex-Maple Leafs Goalie Michael Hutchinson: Where’s He Now?
When Tanev is healthy enough to return, it will bolster Toronto’s blue line. His physical presence and shot-blocking ability could be crucial in helping the team regain its defensive structure. With Colorado up next, Tanev’s return is a much-needed boost as the Maple Leafs aim to get back on track.
