The Toronto Maple Leafs saw their three-game winning streak come to an on Friday night against the Washington Capitals at Scotiabank Arena.
The clash between first-place teams went as advertised., but the Toronto Maple Leafs only had the puck 40% of the time, and Washington had seven more shots, nine more scoring chances and 60% of the dangerous chances. (naturalstattrick.com)
The first 20 minutes were pretty even, with both sides not giving much away. In the second period, a deflection put the Caps ahead. But it was John Tavares who rose to the occasion, scoring one of the season’s best goals to tie the game at one.
At that point, it seemed like the game was destined for overtime. Both sides were playing strongly and didn’t seem to budge.
But it was in the third where a momentary mental lapse cost the Toronto Maple Leafs the game. Auston Matthews’ failed clearing attempt hit the side of the Leafs’ goal, with the puck getting picked up by Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Kudos to Anthony Stolarz for reacting quickly and making the initial save. But the rebound came to Connor McMichael who buried the game-winner.
In the replay, all the Leafs on the ice were paralysed by the situation. They did not react in time, allowing both Washington players to gang up on Stolarz. Ultimately, both Washington goals could not be pinned on Stolarz. He did his job, keeping the Leafs in the game.
Not the first time Toronto Maple Leafs lose on Matthews blunder
Friday night’s defensive miscue by Auston Matthews was reminiscent of the overtime gaffe against the Boston Bruins back on October 26.
In that game, Matthews tried to fire the puck up ice and surprise the Bruins. Instead, the pass was intercepted and led to Boston’s game-winning goal.
This time around, Matthews took his eye off the puck for a split second, leading to the clearing attempt going astray. Two Capitals players were there on the doorstep and they did not forgive.
Now, I’m not pinning the blame on Matthews for losing the game. The goal came midway through the third, leaving plenty of time for the Leafs to come back. However, it must be said that such lapses cannot happen. Players are too good these days to miss on those opportunities.
Ultimately, the world is not falling apart because the Leafs lost to the Metro Division leader. If anything, fans would be frothing at the mouth if this had happened against San Jose or Chicago. The fact is that the Leafs lost to a very good team.
The Leafs didn't have a very good game, and they aren't going to win many games when all of Matthews, Marner and Nylander fail to get more than 2 shots each.