At Scotiabank Arena, there’s an old tactic employed when the crowd transitions from excitement to frustration: the game ops team cranks up the music to mask the boos and prevent them from spreading.
Thursday night was the first time this season the Maple Leafs’ staff felt the need to distract from a disappointing performance, as the team struggled to maintain momentum after a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues, dropping them back to .500 hockey.
The loss was particularly frustrating after the team promised a rebound following their tough defeat in Columbus. Coach Craig Berube had been preaching defensive discipline, but the Leafs faltered across multiple aspects of the game.
Key issues included:
- Defensive mistakes: The Leafs have allowed an increasing number of odd-man rushes over the past two games, something Berube called a major problem.
- Lost net-front battles: At both ends of the ice, the Leafs were outworked by the Blues in front of the net, something Berube views as a critical issue.
- Power play struggles: The team went 0-for-4 on the power play, dropping their efficiency to 11.1%, ranking 26th in the league.
- Poor play from top line: Matthews’ line has struggled, with defensive breakdowns contributing to a shocking minus-6 over the past six periods.
- Offensive issues: Despite Berube’s push for quick shots, the Leafs couldn’t create clean lanes, leading to 24 blocked shots by the Blues.
- “Getting cute”: Berube criticized the team’s tendency to make unnecessary, complicated plays instead of focusing on simple, direct hockey.
Berube, who was hired for his emphasis on accountability, made it clear to the team that they need to address these issues. His direct approach has already led to changes in lineup decisions and practice priorities, and players have taken responsibility for the poor performances.
William Nylander admitted to a costly turnover leading to a Blues goal and promised the team would work harder, starting with practice. The real test comes this weekend in Boston, where the Leafs will aim to bounce back.
As Berube put it, “We all gotta be better. Myself included.” The Leafs will need to back up their words with action in their next game.
Quick Hits:
- Joseph Woll made some spectacular saves but still allowed four goals in his debut.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored his first goal as a Maple Leaf, with Morgan Rielly getting the assist.
- Conor Timmins has impressed with his confidence and decision-making, while Timothy Liljegren’s ice time continues to dwindle.
- Ryan Reaves hasn’t fought this season but remains an imposing presence on the ice.
- Fraser Minten, recovering from an ankle injury, has begun practicing with the Leafs and is expected to make an impact soon.