Toronto Maple Leafs Blow Another Lead As Campbell Struggles

Well, that was not exactly the performance I was hoping to see on national television from the Toronto Maple Leafs during my first week back at college.

There were some good things that happened for the Toronto Maple Leafs in this game, and there were some bad things that happened in this game. Most of them were bad.

Ryan Reaves scored two goals. In one night. He hadn’t scored a goal in a Ranger uniform prior to tonight.  (stats naturalstattrick.com).

Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl are dearly missed. The defensive play in front of Toronto’s net was a complete disaster. Ryan Reaves got one of his goals with no Leaf jersey near him, and Adam Fox got his first goal of the night as he roared towards Jack Campbell with no resistance.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Rangers

I’m not going to say it was a total disaster of a game; it wasn’t. The Leafs looked very good in the offensive zone, particularly after New York goals. Mitch Marner finally ended his two year long power play goal drought, and Ilya Mikheyev found his way onto the score sheet.

Auston Matthews did finally lose his streak of consecutive road games with a goal, but he did make it onto the scoresheet with an assist.

Michael Bunting had another solid night, making his presence felt in the corners, and getting his ninth goal of the season.

Igor Shesterkin was an absolute wall in the second and third periods. New York really has something there. There were several times the Leafs could’ve tied this game tonight, but Shesterkin made some key saves, stopping breakaways from William Nylander and Mikheyev.

Jack Campbell, god bless him, did not have a good night. Ryan Reaves’ second goal of the night should have been stopped. He also had a difficult time with rebounds tonight.

The line I was most impressed with tonight was the third line of Mikheyev, David Kampf and Pierre Engvall. They finished with a 76% possession rating and an expected goals rating in the 90s! This while matched against New York’s top line.

This loss was hard, but I’m not concerned about this game. Yes, the Leafs are letting up too many goals, that is something that needs to be addressed. Maybe Campbell should get a breather. Petr Mrazek wasn’t signed for nothing.

As for the defense, two main players were out. I think the issues will be addressed. Considering the Leafs haven’t had a home game in 14 days now, I can forgive a few sub-par games.