Improved Work Ethic
The Montreal Canadiens entered the game understanding that if they don’t outwork the Maple Leafs, they were unlikely to win the game. That isn’t necessarily how the game played out, but certainly Montreal’s perfect penalty killing and the fact they more or less kept pace with a much better team speaks well of their effort, and poorly of the Leafs.
It’s always easy to call the losing team lazy, but the Toronto Maple Leafs outshot Montreal, had more scoring chances, and had way more puck possession. They clearly couldn’t come out ahead in all facets of the game if they didn’t give a solid effort, but there were times – especially in the third period – where they looked, if not lazy, then unprepared and disorganized.
There is no excuse for a veteran like Jake Muzzin to make two errors on the same play in the last minute of a game.
The Leafs find themselves with a record of 0-1-0 after losing to a team who is expected to win the draft lottery. If they want to make the playoffs as Cup Favorites, the Maple Leafs have to show that they can dominate their opposition in all facets of the game.
The fourth line was particularly horrible last night, with every player posting an expected goals rating of 10% or worse. They have got to be harder to play against and at least provide an aggressive forecheck. This game, they were completely invisible and have to improve, which I’m certain they will.