Takeaways From the Toronto Maple Leafs Game 1 Loss

The Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly excited to be playing in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and equally as excited to be facing the Florida Panthers and not the Boston Bruins.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were not the only ones to feel that energy.

The entire Greater Toronto Area was awash with blue and white and clad in Leafs clothing.

Unfortunately, the city of Toronto was quieter than many had hoped once the final horn sounded. Despite a solid effort by the Maple Leafs, they didn’t get the result that they were hoping for. There is a roadmap towards a Leafs series victory. For now, it will benefit the team to focus on the many takeaways from Game 1.

Matthew Knies Scored his First NHL Goal

The newest member of the Toronto Maple Leafs had a moment he will never forget.

Midway through the second period, Matthew Knies scored a nice backhanded goal. It was Toronto’s first goal of the game, which cut the team’s deficit in half at the time. This can only help Knies build his confidence as he continues to gain experience in the NHL. A more confident Knies means an even more dangerous Knies.

The Game Has Sped Up

This series is looking far different than the one with the Tampa Bay Lightning. This time it appears that it’s going to be less physical and more of a foot race. The Panthers are quick and rely on their speed to gain an edge on the Leafs. It worked in Game 1.

The Buds have a couple of options. They can either try and slow down the Panthers or they can try and keep pace with them. The important part is that Sheldon Keefe has seen what he’s up against and can now game plan accordingly.

Panthers are Relying Heavily on their Top 2 Lines

It’s not surprising that Florida wants its best players on the ice as much as possible. The Leafs need to recognize that they are the group with greater depth. This works in Toronto’s favor as the game moves into the third period. 

Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Convert on Powerplays

Toronto was fortunate to get two powerplay opportunities within the first five minutes of the game. Neither resulted in a goal. The Leafs actually had four powerplays throughout the game and didn’t score on any of them.

Florida, on the other hand, only had one powerplay. They too were unable to convert. However, when Jake McCabe tripped Matthew Tkachuk, the Cats put the puck past Ilya Samsonov while up a man on the delayed penalty.

For Toronto to win this series, they will need to take advantage of the opportunities they are provided. The Leafs powerplay will need to start connecting.

Remember Leafs fans. For those of you who are feeling down, only two of the teams who won their first game of the opening round progressed to the conference semi-finals.