During Saturday’s *Sportsnet* broadcast, Kevin Bieksa analyzed Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly’s struggles this season, highlighting four key factors behind his challenges. Once a cornerstone of the Leafs’ blue line, Rielly has faced criticism for failing to meet expectations, with his standout 2018-19 season (20 goals, 72 points) appearing to be an outlier.

Kevin Bieksa highlighted several reasons for Morgan Rielly’s struggles this season during *Sportsnet’s* broadcast. He noted that Rielly’s $60 million contract hasn’t come with consistent defensive partners, including stints alongside Conor Timmins and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, making it difficult for him to build trust and confidence on the ice.

Bieksa also criticized the Leafs’ defensive system, which prioritizes keeping defensemen near the net, limiting Rielly’s offensive contributions. While encouraged to use his skating to join attacks, the system restricts his opportunities to shine offensively.

Lastly, Bieksa pointed out a potential sign of fading confidence: Rielly’s switch from white to black tape on his stick, suggesting the defenseman may be searching for a spark to reignite his game.

Another factor contributing to Morgan Rielly’s struggles is his reduced role on the power play. Once a fixture on the top unit, Rielly now anchors the second group, which lacks the star power of Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander. This shift has likely cost him 15 to 20 points, making 50- or 60-point seasons seem out of reach.

Despite these challenges, Kevin Bieksa emphasized that Rielly remains a talented player and is still putting together a respectable season.

Kevin Bieksa discussed Morgan Rielly’s struggles during Saturday’s *Sportsnet* broadcast, citing several reasons behind the defenseman’s challenges this season. Rielly, once a key contributor for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has not lived up to expectations, especially after his standout 2018-19 season, which included 20 goals and 72 points. Bieksa pointed to four main factors affecting Rielly’s performance.

First, Bieksa mentioned Rielly’s lack of consistency in defensive partners, including time spent with Conor Timmins and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. This frequent change in partners has made it difficult for Rielly to develop trust and play confidently. He also discussed how the Leafs’ defensive system, which keeps defensemen closer to the net, limits Rielly’s offensive opportunities. While the system encourages defensemen to use their skating to join attacks, it has prevented Rielly from contributing offensively as much as he would like.

Bieksa also observed signs of a potential loss in confidence, noting Rielly’s switch from white to black tape on his stick. Bieksa speculated that the change might indicate Rielly is looking for a spark to reignite his game. “I know the Morgan Rielly I played with always used white tape,” Bieksa said. “That makes me think he’s looking for something different, a different spark. And I wonder if the confidence is wavering a little bit.”

Additionally, Rielly’s reduced role on the power play has been another factor in his struggles. Once a fixture on the top unit, he now plays on the second group, which lacks the offensive firepower of players like Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander. Bieksa believes this shift has likely cost Rielly 15 to 20 points, making it harder for him to reach 50- or 60-point seasons. Despite these struggles, Bieksa acknowledged that Rielly is still a skilled player and is having a decent season overall.

In another development, the Maple Leafs suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, marking their second consecutive defeat after a 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. Coach Craig Berube remarked on the game, stating, “We defended hard… but in the end, we just didn’t score enough.”

Bobby McMann scored the lone goal for Toronto at 3:46 of the first period, assisted by Mitch Marner. Tim Stutzle tied the game for Ottawa on a 4-on-3 power play at 10:43 in the second period, and Shane Pinto scored the game-winner at 10:47 in the third. Joseph Woll made 21 saves for Toronto, while Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg stopped 28 shots. Despite solid defense, the Leafs couldn’t find the back of the net again.