The Toronto Maple Leafs lost their second game in a row.
The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t play as badly as the score suggests, but they were unable score more than one goal they went down to the St. Louis Blue Saturday night.
That was not the best way to enjoy a Saturday night. While holding the Blues to just 25 shots, the Leafs only mustered 23 shots, though they won the possession battle, while scoring chances were pretty much even. Overall, it was a pretty even game that the Blues won because they got better goaltending and were slightly luckier.
The Leafs have now lost two in a row at home after winning four straight on the road and have scored once in those two home tilts.
Physicality Takes the Night Off
The Maple Leafs were not themselves last night offensively, but an issue that has been seen already this season returned in the form of a lack of physical play. I’m not necessarily talking about hits, although the Leafs were out hit 33-22, but using the body in the corners and in front of the net.
The Blues had a man placed right in front of Andersen all night and the Leafs did next to nothing about it. The Leafs also couldn’t gain the puck from scrums in the corners, allowing the Blues to gain possession and set up a play in the offensive zone. They may not be a physical team, but the Maple Leafs are going to need to become one if they want to win against western conference opponents like the Blues, Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators.
Bozak’s Return
On a more positive note, last night was Tyler Bozak’s first game in Toronto since signing for the Blues in the Summer. The Maple Leafs put a nice little video tribute to Bozak.
Thank you for 9 great seasons, Tyler. https://t.co/n6XedEDX1y
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 20, 2018
Bozak played a whopping 594 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, racking up 365 points in that time. He was with the team during their dark period of rebuilding and was always a key figure on the ice no matter the season. It was actually a little tough seeing him back in Toronto in a different jersey, but it was a touching moment to see him return nonetheless.
The Leafs may still be 6-3-0, but these early season games are imperative to have a stellar season, and with the firepower on hand, the Leafs should be scoring more than they have in the last two games.
Who’s Next?
The road doesn’t get easier as the Toronto Maple Leafs head to western Canada for the first game of a back-to-back home and home series against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night.