The Toronto Maple Leafs’ season has swung dramatically in simply two video games. Abruptly, followers are questioning the workforce’s consistency after back-to-back poor video games. The Maple Leafs appeared poised for a robust run after a powerful win in opposition to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nonetheless, they fell flat with a lackluster 6-2 loss to an undermanned Columbus Blue Jackets. This was adopted by a deflating 5-1 defeat at house to the St. Louis Blues.
Berube’s frustrations had been evident within the sport on Thursday as he snapped at his prime line, after which known as the workforce’s sport “cute”.
Are the Blues dominant, or are the Maple Leafs struggling greater than anybody anticipated? Some reactions on social media after the sport joked that this isn’t the Blues Berube is teaching. These Toronto Maple Leafs have a historical past of reverting again to a talented sport that doesn’t all the time work in opposition to heavier groups. Some followers are already questioning how lengthy it’s going to take for the Leafs’ stars to begin tuning him out.
St. Louis Is Outperforming Analysts’ Expectations
The Blues entered the season as a middle-tier workforce. Nonetheless, they confirmed their depth in opposition to Toronto, even with out middle Robert Thomas. Jordan Binnington stood on his head with an impressive 40-save efficiency, whereas Dylan Holloway’s two targets highlighted the workforce’s dynamic ahead depth. The Blues additionally capitalized on energy performs. The Maple Leafs had three possibilities and scored on zero of them.
St. Louis’s strong goaltending, fast transitions, and aggressive internet play contrasted with the Maple Leafs’ lack of response. As soon as once more, Auston Matthews (the brand new captain) and Craig Berube (the brand new coach) had been left to face the media’s music. They struggled to recollect the lyrics.
The Maple Leafs’ Inconsistent Play Is Haunting Them
Toronto’s back-to-back losses sign deeper points. After a promising begin, the place did this bodily dominating workforce disappear? Joseph Woll, filling in for Anthony Stolarz, had some strong moments however was outshone by Binnington. As famous, Toronto’s energy play was as soon as once more underwhelming. They had been 0-for-3 on the night time and now stand at a horrid 3-for-26 on the season.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored the workforce’s single purpose. However total, the Maple Leafs’ offense struggled to create high-quality possibilities. As coach Berube known as it, they opted for “cute” performs slightly than holding it extra easy. They merely didn’t assault.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
Because the Maple Leafs head into an important two-game street journey, beginning with a matchup in opposition to the always-tough Boston Bruins. The workforce wants a reset to regain momentum. They should ramp up their energy play effectiveness, generate offensive strain within the offensive zone, and play some strong protection.
For somebody who was supposed to carry a workforce accountable, head coach Berube can’t appear to get the workforce to play the best way it did when it was a strong and dominating squad. One sport is a one-off. Two video games are a pattern.
It’s nonetheless early, however the query is haunting if the Maple Leafs can’t enhance. Is that this Toronto workforce simply hitting a tough patch, or is there one thing essentially flawed of their sport plan?
Associated: The Maple Leafs Misplaced to an Undermanned Blue Jackets
