Conclusion
In conclusion, the Toronto Maple Leafs have to play a zone-coverage to help keep chances from Samsonov’s rebounds to a minimum.
The man defense doesn’t work at all, and I am not sure why they attempted to try it this game, either. The second line was carrying the offense, but how will it do with John Tavares potentially out? Nick Robertson could be a catalyst for the first line, but only time will tell.
Early in the season, the Leafs have had repeated flaws to their game, two of which I pointed out here. They cannot continue to make the same mistakes and the coaches can’t continue to ask the players to play the same way, either. They also have to return to the drawing board because what they are trying to do isn’t working.
See, if this was a one time thing, this would not be an issue, but it is a constant problem that has become concerning. There is no way someone can say that this team isn’t flawed after this game, watching the lost defense attempt to play hockey while Ilya Samsonov is trying his best to keep them in the game.
Thankfully, these are fixable but it’s a matter of whether or not the coaches try to. As for Auston Matthews, it really is only a matter of time and once he gets going, so will Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting.
Next game: @ Sharks, Oct.27th.