The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their season with a irritating 1-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Regardless of a recreation that head coach Craig Berube described as one he was “pleased with,” the Maple Leafs couldn’t clear up Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault. Right here’s a breakdown of the nice, the dangerous, and the ugly from their opening evening.
Associated: Montembeault Hero in Canadien’s 1-0 Shutout of Maple Leafs
The Good for the Maple Leafs
Statistically, the Maple Leafs dominated this recreation. They outshot Montreal 48-27, together with a 29-13 edge during the last two durations. The Maple Leafs had extra management of the sport because it progressed, and their offensive strain was evident, even when the scoreboard didn’t replicate it.
At five-on-five, the underlying metrics from Pure Stat Trick highlighted Toronto’s management:
- Scoring possibilities: 68%
- Anticipated targets: 77%
- Excessive-danger possibilities: 17-3 in favor of Toronto
The Leafs had a 9-1 benefit in high-danger possibilities through the third interval alone. Each Maple Leafs skater was optimistic in shot makes an attempt and high-danger scoring possibilities. By most metrics, Toronto deserved a greater outcome than a shutout loss.
Anthony Stolarz’s Efficiency
Anthony Stolarz, who received the beginning after Joseph Woll skilled lower-body tightness, was a standout. He made key saves, particularly within the first interval when the sport was extra back-and-forth. His efficiency on the penalty kill, stopping photographs whereas the Leafs have been short-handed 3 times, stored the sport shut. The lone aim he allowed was unstoppable—a one-timer by Cole Caufield off a slap-pass from Juraj Slafkovsky, the proper execution of a “bang-bang” play.
The Dangerous for the Maple Leafs
The largest difficulty for the Maple Leafs was their lack of ability to attain. Regardless of creating 23 high-danger possibilities in all conditions, they couldn’t get the puck previous Montembeault. Toronto hit the submit or crossbar 3 times, and some rebound alternatives appeared to bounce the improper approach. It was a kind of nights the place, regardless of what number of possibilities they generated, they couldn’t end.
Whereas Toronto managed many of the recreation, their first interval left one thing to be desired. The play was too open, with each groups buying and selling possibilities, which could not have happy Berube. The Maple Leafs took 5 penalties, with Montreal changing on their second energy play. Auston Matthews was on the penalty kill for the primary two Montreal energy performs however was taken off after being on the ice for the Canadiens’ aim. This adjustment suggests Berube wasn’t happy with how that unit functioned early on.
The Maple Leafs Lack of Physicality Was Obvious
Surprisingly, the sport lacked the bodily depth many anticipated. The hits have been even at 20 apiece, however the recreation didn’t characteristic a lot aggression. The one notable altercation got here when Max Domi tried to have interaction the bigger David Savard, leading to a two-minute roughing penalty for Domi. Whereas Toronto’s extra outstanding gamers used their dimension successfully on protection, the sport was much less bodily than anticipated, particularly for a matchup towards the Canadiens.
The Ugly for the Maple Leafs
The ugliest a part of the sport was Toronto’s energy play. The unit moved sooner through the preseason, executing performs with pace and fluidity. Nonetheless, the ability play on this recreation regarded disjointed and gradual, primarily via the impartial zone. The drop-pass entry—meant to deliver the puck up the ice with pace—was ineffective, because the puck carriers lagged behind the play.
Assistant coach Marc Savard, who’s accountable for the ability play, can have loads of footage to indicate his gamers what went improper. The unit might want to get again to the tempo and motion it displayed within the preseason.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
The Leafs received’t have a lot time to replicate on this loss as they head to New Jersey to tackle the Devils of their residence opener. The Devils, at the moment 2-0 and main the NHL, simply returned from a visit to Czechia as a part of the NHL International Sequence. Toronto is likely to be hoping to catch the Devils, who’re coping with jet lag.
Berube has but to announce who will begin in aim. Dennis Hildeby was referred to as up on account of Woll’s harm and experiences battle with Woll’s availability. Some counsel Woll has been positioned on Injured Reserve, which means he’d miss three video games, whereas others imagine there’s an opportunity he may swimsuit up. With Stolarz unlikely to play back-to-back video games, Hildeby could possibly be in line for his first NHL begin.
One other potential change may see Timothy Liljegren or Bobby McMann coming into the lineup. Conor Timmins regarded tentative within the Montreal recreation, in order that Liljegren may exchange him. Equally, Berube may determine to offer McMann some ice time, but it surely’s unclear who would come out if that occurs.
All eyes can be on how the Maple Leafs reply after their irritating loss in Montreal. Will they tweak their lineup and energy play, or hope for higher luck subsequent time? Both approach, they have to bounce again shortly towards a powerful Devils crew.
Associated: Sam Montembeault Units NHL Document: 47-Save Shutout vs. Maple Leafs
