Toronto Maple Leafs Recent Struggles Lie In Their Goaltending

The Toronto Maple Leafs kept it a close game against the Vancouver Canucks during the first two periods last night. Unfortunately, the third period didn’t go as well, and it cost them the game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs ended up losing the game 6-3, however, the final score didn’t reflect the entire game, but more so the third period. They played really well in the first 40 minutes, getting both a power-play goal and a shorthanded goal.

John Tavares scored the first two goals, including the power-play goal, and Adam Brooks scored the shorthanded goal (his second goal in three games played this season).

One of the main issues that cost the Leafs the game in the last 20 minutes of the game was the goaltending, with David Rittich in net.

Goaltending Situation

Ever since Jack Campbell’s 11 consecutive wins came to an end, he hasn’t been as hot anymore. His record went from 11-0-0 to 0-2-1 in his three latest starts, including being pulled in one of these games after allowing three goals in the first period. While Campbell might not yet be alarming, the Leafs overall goaltending situation is, and I think it’s starting to show.

Last night, the Canucks’ third and fifth goal could have easily been stopped, and while I want to say it was all on Rittich, it really wasn’t. The defense on these two goals was not helpful, and I think it’s because they thought they could count on him, which should be the case. But, it seems like Rittich has been having some difficulty lately.

And again, I don’t think Rittich’s situation alone is worrisome, but the overall goaltending situation is. With Frederik Andersen still out, and Jack Campbell and David Rittich both struggling, I can’t help but worry about how the playoffs are going to go if the situation was to stay the same by then.

Toronto Maple Leafs Injuries

In their previous game against the Canucks, Zach Hyman left the game after getting kneed by Canucks’ Alexander Edler, who got a two-game suspension. It was later announced that Hyman will be missing a minimum of two weeks because of a sprained MCL.

Ilya Mikheyev also wasn’t in yesterday’s lineup and is still considered a day-to-day decision, with an “undisclosed issue.”

On top of that, Zach Bogosian left the game last night after an awkward fall and bump into the boards. Fortunately, he was able to skate off the ice. But, it was later announced that he suffered an upper-body injury, which makes us wonder, how long will he be out for? And how long will Mikheyev be out for?

John Tavares & William Nylander

Tavares scored two goals last night, including one power-play goal. This means he’s now on a six-game point streak and has two points in three of these six games.

William Nylander set up Tavares’s two goals, also picking up two points in the game. He has at least one point in his last four games played.

But it’s about more than just numbers. I think Tavares and Nylander are great together, and anyone could see their chemistry in yesterday’s game. While it may not be a statistically accurate comparison, I think just like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are great together, it’s also the case for Tavares and Nylander.

The Leafs will next be facing the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow at 7 p.m. EST, and we can only assume that Jack Campbell will be in net, trying to help them end their five-game losing streak.