Last night’s game was one of those games I felt the Leafs were going to win and in style. Frederik Andersen was outstanding all game and deserved better from his team. Specifically his defensemen who struggled mightily in the third period, it seemed as if the puck was rolling, bouncing or being turned over at the worst of times.
The Maple Leafs took a few stupid penalties that ultimately cost them the game. How many San Jose power plays did they think they were going to kill off? It seemed like every 15-20 seconds there was a blast coming from Burns at the point. Without looking at the game sheet, I’d swear he logged 40 minutes out there. Can we clone Brent Burns please? Toronto needs to get themselves another top end defenseman before they are going to be able to compete with the top dogs night in night out; it’s as simple as that.
There have been far too many third periods where the Leafs just get hemmed in and seem to sit back on the gas pedal and it’s not only costing them games, but stunting their confidence as a team to be able to shut down a team and finish a game which they have led.
Before I get into the brutal call by the referee on Morgan Rielly’s goal, Matt Hunwick needs to give his head a shake. What was he thinking taking that stupid penalty away from the play with five minutes left in the third period when your team is up one goal? Come on, the Sharks were pressing all period; you can’t take a dumb penalty like that and expect a team like San Jose not to capitalize.
I’m still blown away that Morgan Rielly’s goal was called back due to “goaltender interference… from Nazem Kadri. The play was even challenged by Babcock and his coaching staff but wasn’t overturned; likely because they let the ref have the benefit of doubt as he was on the ice and made the call. It was a joke the hockey gods played on Rielly as Kadri did all he could to get out of the way but was shoved into the goaltenders direction as he and the puck came towards the blue paint. If that’s the direction the league is going, I don’t like it one bit. This could have been the difference maker in the game as perhaps the Leafs would have run away with it as they scored just minutes after on a 5 on 3.
It’s certainly not worth our time to dwell on the loss, the good news is Matthews and Nylander looked very dangerous together as they were both skating hard and creating offensive chances at will. Nylander has been flying since re-uniting with Matthews and showing Babcock that’s where he belongs. Willy had one play where he was strong on the fore check and ended up pick-pocketing the Sharks defender and almost got a surprise attack against Martin Jones.
I’m continuing to be patient as I wait for the Toronto brass to rectify the issues on the defensive end. It’s likely not coming until later in the season or the off-season so I think we as fans will just have to accept what we have and deal with it for one last season of ‘pain’.
As for the shootout, could we be worse with such high end talent? It’s baffling that we are unable to score goals with the players we have in the blue and white. Perhaps it’s time we try some new shooters until the other ones are able to gain some confidence.
Soshnikov had a sloppy game last night and I barely noticed JVR or heard his name by the announcer.
Hyman was the hero of the night for me, a few huge shot blocks and a goal. He and Brown are work horses and continue to sacrifice game after game, hopefully they are not blue and purple by the time the season is done; a couple warriors who live for the grind.
Toronto will take on the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Thanks for reading.