4 Reasons Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Lost Game 4

4)     Unforced Errors

The Leafs needed to be on their A-game going up against the mighty Bruins. That meant taking advantage of every opportunity available and not making any unnecessary mistakes. That was unfortunately not the case with the Leafs in Game Four.

At the 4:54 mark of the first period, Tyler Bertuzzi had a golden opportunity to score off a pass by Mitch Marner in the slot and nail a power-play goal, but was unsuccessful. You don’t get too many opportunities to catch Swayman off-guard like that and the Leafs needed to capitalize.

The giveaway by Ryan Reaves at 14:08 of the first period which led to the Bruins goal was inexcusable.

The cross-checking penalty by Max Domi in the second period proved to be costly as the Bruins scored off the ensuing powerplay.

William Nylander’s holding penalty in the third period may not have led to a Bruins power-play goal, but it came at a time when the Leafs were gaining steam and were outshooting the Bruins 13-to-3 in the final period.

Final Thoughts

At 5-on-5 hockey, the Leafs can hold their own with the Bruins as they have outshot them 193-to-156, according to naturalstattrick.com

It’s penetrating the Bruins’ blue line and getting past Swayman that needs to be the key.

Being better at special teams certainly helps.

The Bruins now lead the series 3-1. The series shifts back to TD Garden for Game Five where the Leafs must win to stay alive in the series.