Call it what you will, but the bottom line is that the Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a frustrating 6-5 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. Riding the wave of a gutsy late-game comeback, the Maple Leafs were able to erase a two-goal deficit with just a minute left. But they couldn’t bring it home over a young, energetic Sharks lineup.
Related: Get to Know New Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect John Prokop
After goalie Joseph Woll basically put the puck in his own net, the team seemed snake-bit. In Woll’s bizarre misplay, he bounced a clearing attempt off a Sharks’ skate behind him into the net. Then, the team couldn’t close the game out. The single point kept them first in the Atlantic Division, but their performance raised frustrations about consistency, especially as the playoffs approach. The Maple Leafs must sharpen their overall game to hold onto their division lead.
Item One: Joseph Woll Struggles in Shootout Loss to Sharks
Woll had a tough night. He stopped 30 of 35 shots but struggled in the shootout. He looked easy to beat, and you can bet the game tape will highlight the moves the young Sharks players used to score. His recent form has been shaky, allowing 23 goals in seven games this month. This is a noticeable dip from his earlier consistency. Even with the team’s late-game push, his play wasn’t enough to grab the win.
With the Maple Leafs finishing their road trip with back-to-back games, he’ll need to rebound quickly. Woll will be needed, and his solid play could be a key to their playoff hopes.
Item Two: William Nylander Sets Career High in Goals
William Nylander stood out. He scored twice to set a career high of 42 goals. He netted a power-play goal in the first period and scored again with under 14 seconds left in the third, tying the game to force overtime. Nylander remains one of the Maple Leafs’ most dynamic players, with five goals and six assists over his last six games.
Related: NHL Rumors: Tortorella, Tocchet, Flyers, Canucks, Oilers
Item Three: Auston Matthews Collects Two Points in Shootout Loss
Auston Matthews also played well, scoring a goal and adding an assist. His power-play goal early in the second period kept the Maple Leafs in it, and his all-around play included blocking four shots.
Despite a slightly down season due to injuries, Matthews has been steady and remains a key offensive force with 28 goals and 38 assists. It’s been an odd season for Matthews, but he’s pumping in the points these days. That bodes well for a strong finish.
Item Four: Mitch Marner Distributes Trio of Assists in Shootout Loss
Mitch Marner also played a critical role, putting up three assists, including on Matthews’ power-play goal and the two late-game goals by Tavares and Nylander that forced overtime. Over his last six games, Marner has been hot, with nine points. He’s on pace for his first 100-point season, and his playmaking continues to be valuable for the Maple Leafs.
Related: Patrick Marleau’s Lasting Maple Leafs Legacy
Item Five: John Tavares Notches Two More Points in Shootout Loss
John Tavares had another strong game. He scored a goal and added an assist, including a clutch goal late in the third that set the stage for Nylander’s game-tying goal. Tavares has extended his point streak to five games. He has put up 33 goals and 34 assists in 65 games this season. His leadership and offensive contributions remain a key to the Maple Leafs’ success.
Item Six: Scott Laughton Nets First Goal with New Team
Scott Laughton finally got off the Schneid. He scored his first goal with the Maple Leafs, cutting the Sharks’ lead to 4-3 with a powerful one-timer. It was a milestone moment for Laughton, who had gone 14 games without a point before joining the Maple Leafs.
While the goal was critical for his confidence, it would have been sweeter if the team had won. Laughton has become a gritty depth addition for the Maple Leafs, but fans have to hope his first goal will be more of what could come.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs need more consistency to maintain their slim lead in the Atlantic Division. Thursday’s loss highlighted several areas of concern, particularly defensively. The team will need to improve their execution in overtime and the shootout.
Related: Auston Matthews Is Maple Leafs’ Ultimate Weapon for a Stanley Cup Run
With the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning hot on their heels, the Maple Leafs will be engaged in a tussle right down to the finish of the regular season. They need to focus on stronger starts, better defensive play, and capitalizing on power-play opportunities to remain in the top spot as the playoffs approach.
