3 Takeaways from Leafs-Predators: Matthews and Nylander deliver another sub-par effort against NHL’s worst team
Brad Treliving was at tonight’s game 📽️: Sportsnet | NHL
It’s not entirely Berube’s fault either. Auston Matthews and William Nylander again had minimal impact in Saturday’s loss, with both bigs showing crucial defensive errors. Toronto’s new third line of Nick Robertson, Nicolas Roy (scored on the first shot of the game for the Leafs) and Bobby McMann showed some chemistry, Maccelli showed some offensive opportunism and Troy Stecher was solid again, but these are small wins during a season where the Maple Leafs can’t settle for false positives.
John Tavares added the Leafs’ other goal, deflecting Matias Maccelli’s shot off his skate before hitting Roman Josi’s skate to give the Leafs a 2–1 lead. It was the highlight of the match, as Adam Wilsby equalized, then Luke Evangelista scored a highlight reel to dangle Morgan Rielly in front of a 3-2 lead for the Predators, and they never looked back. Steven Stamkos made it 4-2 on an empty-netter, McMann narrowed the deficit to 4-3, but Cole Smith added another empty-net marker to seal the match.
Another frustrating game where Matthews and Nylander weren’t nearly good enough, this time against the NHL’s last-ranked team. Robertson, McMann, Joshua, McCabe and Stecher separated themselves from the rest tonight, but looked for small victories beyond that point.
Here are three takeaways from the Leafs’ 5-3 loss to the Predators:
Matthews and Nylander once again fail to impress
Matthews fought back briefly after losing the puck in the offensive zone. Joseph Woll came out of the net to clear the puck, but the Predators intercepted the puck. Matthews made no attempt to close down the Predators and allowed Wilsby to run in unhindered, without rotation, or trying to pick up the oncoming puck carrier.
While Matthews blocks shots expertly, he doesn’t contribute in any other area of the game. Nylander generated two shots on goal at 5-on-5, and was largely carried by Tavares and Maccelli throughout the match. Going into the second game of a back-to-back against an excellent Dallas Stars team, Matthews and Nylander will need to be significantly better or it could lead to major changes at the masthead level.
Maccelli should remain in the lineup over Max Domi on Sunday
Tavares ends his drought!!!! 📽️: Sportnet | NHL
He generated a secondary assist when his shot deflected off Tavares’ skate, hit Josi’s skate and shot in for a 2-1 Leafs lead. Toronto defeated Nashville 7-5 when Maccelli was on the ice 5-on-5, and he has earned his spot for Sunday’s game.
How long does Craig Berube have to turn the Leafs’ season around?
It’s not nice to suggest that Berube should lose his job, especially before Christmas, but it could be the big institutional change needed to turn around the Leafs’ season. Berube seemed to have no answers after Thursday’s loss to the Washington Capitals, and general manager Brad Treliving was anxiously awaiting Saturday’s game. It’s the job of Matthews and Nylander to play better, but it’s the coach’s job to get maximum value from the roster he’s given. Berube hasn’t done that this season, even though he has been responsible for several injuries across the board, especially in the defensive corps.
Berube has been a likeable players’ coach, he is professional and friendly to be around, but these points may be academic if the Maple Leafs lose handily to a top prospect in the Dallas Stars on Sunday.
PRESENTED BY VIVID CHAIRS
#Takeaways #LeafsPredators #Matthews #Nylander #deliver #subpar #effort #NHLs #worst #team