Leafs Salvage a Point in Boston

 

Photo From ESPN

The Leafs have dropped their last three games since their strong win against Tampa Bay. First, they lost an ugly 6-2 game to Columbus, followed by a 5-1 defeat by St. Louis. Then, last night, despite some positive signs, Toronto fell in overtime to Boston.

I write for this blog because I enjoy it. I am writing because I miss coaching, and this is a way to stay involved with the game I love. I write so fans can share their opinions, which they’re entitled to—even though some opinions are entertaining. Last night, when the Leafs were trailing in the final minute, fans were once again talking about how bad this team is. I even saw people saying Berube should be fired, which is ridiculous after just nine games. Then Marner set Matthews up for the tying goal, his fourth of the season. When this goal went in, fans praised the duo of Marner and Matthews, and in overtime, they likely felt Toronto would leave Boston with a win after seeing their strong play in the extra session. Then came the turnover: Matthews sent a pass up the boards to nobody, and Boston capitalized to win the extra point. After this, fans were all over the new captain. I understand being frustrated with the loss, but let me explain what happened on the winning goal.

Matthews has the puck and looks for an option for an outlet pass. He sees Marner and sends the puck forward. Marner is supposed to stop at the half-wall for the pass, which would allow him to take the puck over center and hold on to it, allowing fresh players to come on. Instead, there’s no communication from Marner, who decides to change lines. With no communication, there’s zero support for Matthews, and this was even brought up by the head coach in his media scrum after the game. Again, I understand the frustration after another loss, but having a total meltdown over a 4-4-1 record after nine games is comical.

This team will sort things out and get back on track; there’s no doubt in my mind. Toronto now heads to Winnipeg to take on the unbeaten Jets on Monday. It’s going to be a difficult test for Toronto, obviously, but it’s another opportunity for them to show that they’re a legitimate contender for the league's ultimate prize.

Now, I know in a previous article I praised the Leafs’ power play, saying it showed signs of coming together. It still might, but right now, they just need to get back to basics. Instead of the center ice drop pass and coming in with speed, Toronto needs to chip the puck in and go hard on the forecheck. Right now, it’s just too easy for opponents’ penalty kills to shut down the attack. This small change could make a huge difference to Toronto’s play with the man advantage.

Toronto has two games remaining in October: Monday in Winnipeg, as mentioned, and Thursday at home against Seattle. If Toronto can win these two games, they’ll be in a good spot, because if a team can finish above .500 each month, they’re highly likely to finish in the top 16 and play spring hockey.

We’ll see how things go Monday night. Thanks, as always, for reading.