The Toronto Maple Leafs were back in action last night on the second half of a back-to-back against the Dallas Stars. For those who watched both games this weekend, you probably noticed that this team doesn’t look anything close to what it did last season, or even at the start of this one.
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There is something clearly wrong with this team and it needs to be fixed. Against the Stars, the Maple Leafs had a number of chances to score and actually outshot Dallas. However, once again, they let their foot off the gas in the third period. As a result, they lost 5-1 in a game that probably should have only been 2-1 or 3-1 for Dallas. Late in the game, it looked like the Maple Leafs had simply given up, which led to a few more goals against.
With that, let’s look at a few takeaways from last night’s loss.
Better Effort, Same Result
The Maple Leafs did put together a better effort for at least 40 minutes last night. They had good zone control and generated more shots on net than the Stars. At times, they also created quality chances, including Auston Matthews’ breakaway opportunity. Unfortunately, they just cannot catch a break right now and ended up adding a third loss on the road trip.
Across the three-game trip, they were outscored 14-4, which is unacceptable given the level of skill on this roster. Overall, it was a better performance, but it still ended the same way. Another loss. It makes you wonder what actually needs to change to try and fix this season. If the effort improves but the results don’t, they are going to find themselves battling for draft lottery positioning instead of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot.
Maple Leafs Need More from Their Stars
It has been a difficult few months for the Maple Leafs, the organization, and the fan base. But it has been especially rough for the team’s star players. A lot of that falls on their own shoulders because the production simply hasn’t been there. That is part of the job when you are paid the way they are. William Nylander has now gone 10 games without a goal after starting the season strong. As for Matthews, he has looked like a shell of himself, with just 14 goals and nine assists for 23 points in 30 games.
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Luke Fox highlighted just how rough things have been for the Maple Leafs’ core over the three-game road trip. Matthews and Nylander recorded zero points and were minus-seven. Matthew Knies also had zero points and finished minus-five. The only member of the core to contribute offensively was John Tavares, and even that feels generous. He had one goal, no assists, and was minus-five as well. These are the players this team relies on to drive results. Between the four of them, they combined for one goal and a minus-24 on the road trip. That is completely unacceptable.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have one game remaining before the Christmas break as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 4:00 p.m. It is an important game, maybe more than it should be at this point in the season.
If they lose that one as well, it would not be surprising to see changes made once the break is over. Something has to give, because what they are doing right now simply isn’t working.
