The Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Detroit Red Wings in the second half of a home-and-home Thanksgiving Monday matinee. After dropping the first game 6-3, it looked like Toronto would win the second game and move to 2-1 on the season.
Unfortunately, things seem to be a little out of sync for the club this season, and that has resulted in a slow start. They dropped the first game against the Red Wings after jumping out to an early 2-0 lead. Yesterday they fought back from a 2-0 deficit but still managed to lose after allowing a goal late in the third period. Again, it doesn’t look good. They are not that sharp, and that needs to be cleaned up because collecting wins early in the season is very important.
Nevertheless, here are three takeaways from yesterday’s match.
Cowan played well in his debut
It’s not every day that a Maple Leafs rookie gets to play his first NHL game on the top line. Especially since the Auston Matthews era began in 2016. But for Easton Cowan, he got that opportunity and he didn’t disappoint. No, he didn’t score on his debut, but he was solid.
He played 14:05, had one shot on goal, three goals and an expected goals percentage of 81.9 at even strength. What is even more impressive is that while he was on the ice, the Maple Leafs defeated the Red Wings 12-1. He played hard, shift after shift, and it showed. He wants to prove that he not only belongs in the NHL, but can play on the top line with Matthews and Matthew Knies. His performance yesterday should be good enough to earn him another start in the second half of the back-to-back against the Nashville Predators tonight.
Jarnkrok’s scoring drive continues
There was a time in his career when Calle Jarnkrok was more than just a bottom-six striker. He was once a 20-goal scorer who could play higher up the lineup. Looks like we’re seeing that version of him again. He has scored three goals in the last three games. He is one of the most trusted players in the lineup, so he is seen moving up the ranks throughout the match. But even as a third- or fourth-line player, if he can reach the 15-20 mark again in his career, it will help the Maple Leafs immensely.
Related: Red Wings score late to steal game from Maple Leafs
In addition to being a scorer this season, he has also played very well on the defensive side of the puck. He and Nicolas Roy made a strong one-two on the penalty. Their playing styles complement each other well. Roy plays more of a power-forward game, while Jarnkrok is a fast two-way player. Together they work like a well-oiled machine. It wouldn’t be surprising if they matched the PK with a few goals this season. If his scoring touch continues, it seems inevitable that one of those shorthanded will find the back of the net.
Powerplay needs work
Finally, the power play. It’s hard to watch now. It pains me to admit it, but it looks like the top device misses Mitch Marner badly. Unfortunately, that can’t be the excuse to go 0-for-6 in the first three games. Head coach Craig Berube was asked about this after the game, here’s what he said:
“The power play has to put it in the net.”
It’s the same story year after year. So much talent, but a lack of success. Something needs to change, and that could start with adding a new quarterback on the blue line. That’s not to say it’s all about Morgan Rielly, but if they can pull off a different look with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, it might be worth a try.
They also need to go back to the days when Matthews controlled the puck in the zone. Between him and William Nylander, they should have the most possession and shooting attempts. Knies and John Tavares could be options on the side of the net, behind the net or parked in front for tips and screens. The defenseman on the top unit is needed for two things: keeping the puck in the zone and feeding it to the half wall for Matthews or Nylander. If there is a shooting range, definitely take it. But the play must be led by the experienced players to see what kind of success it brings.
When you look at the power play of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl don’t just touch the puck when shooting options. They have it on their stick for the majority of the man advantage. Toronto needs to look at the best power plays in the league and learn from them. Too often, Rielly, or whoever is on the power play, holds the puck too long, looks away from Matthews or shoots into traffic. And in Rielly’s case, he sometimes struggles to keep the puck in on clearing attempts. It may finally be time to rethink the power play and find a formula that works. If not, it will be painful to watch the entire season.
Next up for the Maple Leafs
As mentioned above, the Maple Leafs have the second half of a back-to-back against the Predators tonight. This is a game where we could see some lineup changes. Philipp Myers and Sammy Blais can join in, and it’s almost a guarantee that Cayden Primeau will get his first start as a Maple Leaf.
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