Toronto Maple Leafs: Loss to Wings No Big Deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost their third game in a row last night in Detroit.

Especially concerning for the Toronto Maple Leafs is the fact that they’ve scored a total of four goals in their last four games.   The offense has dried up.

While this can’t really be spun as a good thing, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.  The Leafs went through a period where they were being out-possessed, out-shot and out-scoring chanced, but because they got great goaltending, they managed to win most of the games during this time.

Last night, and in Minnesota the night before, the Leafs managed to be the better possession team.  The Wild had more shots, but the Leafs had more scoring chances.  Detroit tied the Leafs in scoring chances, and they tied in shots.   The Leafs really didn’t play badly in these games, and actually, there are positives to take from the peripheral stats.  A little goal scoring luck and the Leafs could easily have taken both games.

Plus, they were without their best player.

No Biggie!

Like I said the other day, if the Leafs are having trouble scoring, and if that’s the biggest reason for their lack of recent wins, then I’m fine with it.  The thing is, you can’t be too upset when you’re losing games because of a weak performance in your otherwise best skill.

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The main strength of this team is scoring goals and their offensive depth.  If they were losing games because of bad defense it would be much more concerning.  But the fact is, this team will score.   Eventually.

I am zero percent worried.

Kapanen

I am hopeful that last night’s game cements Kasperi Kapanen’s status as a regular.  He had a great game – he should eventually be credited with Borgman’s goal – and his speed was evident whenever he is on the ice.

It is simply baffling to me that the Leafs aren’t playing this player more.  He’s fast, he’s defensively aware, and he’s got a ton of high-end potential. I don’t think there is another team in the NHL in which he would not be a regular skater.

Last night he was a 50% CF player, despite playing mostly on the fourth line. Babcock must have been impressed as well, because by the end of the game he was lining up with Marner and Marleau, and he ended up getting the fourth most 5v5 ice-time among forwards.

Unfortunately, with every good Babcock decision, seems to come an inexplicable one.  And last night, it was Nylander only skating ten seconds more at 5v5 than Moore.   Here is an idea: if you’re having trouble scoring, play your best player more!

Next: Babcock Coaching like Carlyle

Anyways, I don’t think the Leafs should be too concerned about their last couple games.   They’re off until Tuesday – when they’ll play at the bizarre time of 2PM against Carolina.

stats from naturalstattrick.com