Toronto Maple Leafs Shut-Out In Minnesota

It would turn into a frustrating snoozefest as the Toronto Maple Leafs fell 2-0 to the Minnesota Wild.

For a third straight game, Toronto would have to do without Matthews. If the team didn’t miss his presence in the prior two games, they undoubtedly did here. With no creativity or jump to the game, the offense has begun to suffer. Especially against a Minnesota team that has a hard time scoring.

Here’s a recap and reaction to tonight’s action:

A Mistake Comes back to Haunt Toronto

The offense was slow out of the gate as both teams combined for nine shots on goal. Although Toronto only managed two shots in the first, they were in control of the puck. Their possession of the puck led to two power plays, Toronto did little with the man advantage.

When Toronto wasn’t in possession of the puck, they were playing sloppy. Eventually one of these mistakes would cost them. After retrieving the puck, Morgan Rielly would ignore Frederik Andersen’s “wheel” screams.

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Instead of skating up the ice, Rielly would play it back to Connor Brown leading to a turnover; this mistake would lead to a Tyler Ennis goal. Toronto’s possession of the puck could not outweigh their blunders as they found themselves down early.

All Hail Freddy Andersen

Much like the first period, Toronto was in control of the puck throughout the second; however, when they weren’t they made life interesting for Andersen. Whether he had to sprawl around or make a casual glove save, he kept Minnesota off the board.

After having Andersen bail them out on a few occasions, Toronto’s offense couldn’t reward him. They were unable to cash in on yet another power play opportunity. Also, Toronto generated 14 shots in the second but again couldn’t fin the back of the net.

The second period was more of a Minnesota style of play. Muddy the waters, slow the tempo and limit the shots. It was a snoozefest of a stretch, but that’s how Minnesota likes to play; their 40% Corsi-For shows how badly Minnesota was outplayed. Toronto took control, but like the first period, they couldn’t muster anything with it.

Is Alex Stalock Shutting out Toronto?

The offense made an appearance in the third period with a flurry of shots against Stalock. That quickly evaporated as the Marlie castoff would deny and keep Toronto off the scoreboard. It then began to sink in that he would shut out the team that didn’t give him a chance.

Andersen couldn’t keep Minnesota off the score sheet any longer. Eric Staal would make a pass from behind the net to Mikael Granlund who would make it 2-0. In the past, this deficit wouldn’t feel insurmountable, but tonight it did. The offense continued to control the puck and have their scoring chances, nonetheless, Stalock would say no.

As fate would have it, Stalock would get the shutout and add insult to injury. Over the last few games, Toronto has struggled to put a 60-minute offensive performance.

Next: How Would Further Expansion Effect the Toronto Maple Leafs ?

Tonight was the culmination or frustration when it relates to the goal scoring. There’s no room for pouting as the Toronto Maple Leafs head to Detroit as they wrap up their three-game road trip.