Disappointment after Disappointment, the Maple Leafs Story

(photo credits - lastwordonsports)

The Maple Leafs return home to face the St. Louis Blues after a horrible 6-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Showing struggles defensively, not starting on the right foot, and overall, just not being the competitive team seen against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The start of this game was reflective of the last game. Seeing The Blues come off strong, scoring twice within the first 10 minutes, Philip Broberg 1-0 (04:07 slap shot), and Dylan Holloway 2-0 (10:31 wrist shot). But, even with the Leafs slow start that didn’t see them short of chances. With the Leafs getting two power plays in the first period, getting pucks around the net and good chances overall but not being able to convert. Continuing their poor play power, as through seven games they’ve had 26 power-play opportunities, only converting on three of them, with the amount of talent on the Leafs power play scoring should be the least of these problems. The period ends with a big save from Woll, who’s starting to get into rhythm as this is the first start of the season.  

The second period saw a better start from the Leafs, jumping start into the game, getting shots on net, and having lots of o-zone time. This start paid off as just six minutes Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored to make it 2-1 (06:20 slap shot). This goal got the Leafs into momentum, getting shots and goal and continuing getting o-zone time. Until Matthews and McCabe miscommunication in the corner saw Alexandre Texier score, making it 3-1 STL (07:38 wrist shot). After the goal, the game fell into a back and forth, the Leafs losing the momentum they had before the goal. Before the period ended the Leafs had one more powerplay chance, but once again doing nothing with it. Only getting one shot on goal.  

Finally, the third period starts similar to the first. The Blues started energized, seeing Jake Neighbours scoring after a turnover from Nylander (4-1 03:45). Much of the period stays uneventful, until Ryan Reaves hits the ice awkwardly on right arm, drawing a tripping penalty. Where for the fourth time the power play units aren’t able to convert. Even with all the Leafs shots on goal and power play chances, St. Louis' defense in front of the net was just too strong for the Leafs to battle through them. Leaving the Leafs with nothing but boos from the fans, falling 4-4 for the year.  

Will the Leafs be able to clean up their game for the road trip starting against the Boston Bruins?