On Thursday night time, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a tricky 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. Followers anticipated Toronto to bounce again sturdy after a six-goal setback within the prior sport, however the Blues rapidly dashed these hopes by scoring twice inside the first 10 minutes on simply 5 pictures. The Maple Leafs’ defensive struggles put them in catch-up mode from the beginning, and a collection of breakdowns allowed St. Louis to dominate the scoreboard.
Associated: Revisiting the Wendel Clark for Mats Sundin Commerce
Listed here are 5 essential errors that contributed to the Maple Leafs’ difficult night time on dwelling ice.
Mistake 1: The Maple Leafs Began Slowly on Protection
Toronto’s protection was caught flat-footed early, permitting two fast objectives that set the tone for the remainder of the sport. The Blues, led by Jordan Kyrou’s relentless skating, outmaneuvered the Maple Leafs within the defensive zone. Chris Tanev, as an illustration, chased Kyrou throughout a number of factors within the zone as a substitute of shutting him down early. The additional time allowed Kyrou to arrange a shot from the purpose.
The Maple Leafs did not field out Pavel Buchnevich, screening Joseph Woll in aim. This early misstep had an enduring impact, forcing Toronto into catch-up hockey from the start. They may not make it occur.
Mistake 2: The Maple Leafs’ High-Line Struggles Proceed
The Maple Leafs’ prime line has been central to their offensive technique, however this sport, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies posted a minus-3 ranking for the second straight sport. The identical wrestle utilized to their defensive protection. The road’s defensive lapses had been significantly expensive. Matthews and Marner appeared drained from an intense schedule. Or is it the rigorous practices?
Associated: An Early Examine-in on Maple Leafs’ Divisional Rivals
The primary line couldn’t get well possession within the impartial zone or apply enough stress on the Blues’ counterattacks. This ongoing mistake highlighted a seamless difficulty for this gifted however overworked line. One thing’s taking place with Toronto’s first line, and it’s baffling what that is perhaps. They appear out of sync.
Mistake 3: The Maple Leafs’ Energy Play Is Powerless
The Maple Leafs’ energy play is turning into an actual puzzle. With so many expert gamers, this unit must be an offensive driver. Nonetheless, it’s merely not maintaining. The Maple Leafs did not convert regardless of 4 probabilities with the mad benefit towards the Blues. Much like the primary line, the facility play seems to be sluggish and predictable in its strategy.
The Maple Leafs’ energy play has struggled, going solely 3-for-27, exposing points with predictability and a scarcity of efficient level pictures. Opponents are shutting down Toronto’s choices by clogging the zone, whereas the workforce’s failure to generate high-quality probabilities has restricted Matthews and different key gamers from discovering the again of the online. With out creativity or urgency, their man benefit is lacking the spark wanted to shift momentum of their favor.
Mistake 4: Berube Made a Poor Goaltending Determination
Head coach Craig Berube’s choice to begin Joseph Woll over Anthony Stolarz raised eyebrows, as Stolarz had proven sturdy early-season play. Woll hadn’t performed a aggressive sport in 175 days. He made some large stops however couldn’t shut the door. Whereas Berube may need wished to relaxation Stolarz for Saturday’s matchup with Boston, the transfer backfired.
Associated: Maple Leafs Commerce Rumors Swirl Amid Utah’s Harm Information
Woll struggled along with his reads and positioning, seemingly on account of some rust. Though Woll has to get his reps and wanted to begin someday, final night time was an odd selection. Stolarz may need given the Maple Leafs a steadier efficiency in aim at a time once they wanted a bounceback. Berube’s choice finally left Toronto with out much-needed confidence within the web, particularly at a key level early within the season.
Mistake 5: Maple Leafs Make Lazy Defensive Performs or Miscommunicate
Lack of communication and composure haunted Toronto’s protection all through the sport. Jake McCabe’s dangerous cross to Matthews, who was already underneath stress, led to a turnover on one aim. Alex Texier capitalized by sneaking into an unguarded spot in entrance of Woll.
The Blues’ third aim additionally resulted from Toronto’s defensive breakdowns when Kyrou positioned Texier on account of Toronto’s misalignment. Whereas Woll didn’t obtain a lot help, minor lapses in effort and consciousness—particularly on free pucks—grew to become essential errors for Toronto.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
Whereas there have been positives—Toronto managed 85 shot makes an attempt to the Blues’ 43 and had a big benefit in high-danger probabilities—the Maple Leafs’ execution stays a priority. With back-to-back highway video games towards Boston and Winnipeg, they’re coming into a brutal stretch within the schedule. A four-game stretch in six nights has undoubtedly worn down Toronto’s roster, significantly their prime line. Berube’s high-intensity practices might exacerbate this fatigue, so the upcoming lighter schedule ought to permit the workforce to relaxation.
Associated: Maple Leafs Are Embracing Toughness Underneath Coach Berube
The Maple Leafs have to refocus on defensive construction and keep away from turnovers to stay aggressive. Though early-season losses will be irritating, with some tactical changes, they’ve the potential to bounce again within the coming weeks.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
