3 Tips from Leafs-Hurricanes: Immature Loss Caused by Giving Up the Defensive Side of the Puck

It’s an apt summary of Berube, and he was furious all game as the Maple Leafs committed several turnovers that were punished against an undermanned, opportunistic Hurricanes squad.

At the time of filing, Toronto is second in the NHL with 43 goals at 5-on-5, and the power play is finally starting to find some rhythm. After a year where the Maple Leafs’ superior goaltending and defensive structure overcame some offensive issues, there is a complete sense of panic every time the puck is in the defensive zone.

“Turnover after turnover cost us the game tonight. We didn’t check anyone tonight. We didn’t win any battles tonight. It’s two games in a row,” Berube said.

Here are three takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 5-4 loss to the Hurricanes:

Dennis Hildeby was the Leafs’ best player and has been cleared of guilt

Dennis Hildeby did everything he could to keep the Maple Leafs in the game, and he may be the only player cleared of the loss. Hildeby made 41 saves on 46 shots and was forced to make at least three breakaway stops during the second period, which saw the Maple Leafs’ rush defense completely capitulate.

“He made a lot of saves. We gave them, what, three breakaways in the second period? Maybe four? I don’t know. I lost count. It has nothing to do with the goalie,” Berube said of Hildeby after the game.

Hildeby saw action in Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins and made several saves for the Maple Leafs during a brief rest. He fought all game, as the Maple Leafs gave up second- and third-chance opportunities while being pushed around in the defensive zone.

“I thought we were lucky to be ahead after two,” Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said after the game. “If it wasn’t for Beast (Hildeby), you know, three, four breakaways there we gave up, he made big saves.”

“He was the reason we had a chance to win the hockey game,” added Maple Leafs forward John Tavares. “I thought he was phenomenal. Great job on the PK, especially in the third period as well. Tight hockey game, he was great.”

John Tavares calls out the Maple Leafs for immature game management

“Sometimes we have done very good things, earned chances and been able to give ourselves an edge. Our game, for whatever reason, is becoming really immature. We are not managing the game very well,” Tavares said after the match.

Berube seemed to agree with Tavares’ assessment before delving into the myriad issues that have hampered the Maple Leafs all year.

“Could be immaturity, not being willing to play easy, turnover after turnover cost us the game tonight. You know, we didn’t check anyone tonight. We didn’t win a single battle tonight. It’s two games in a row,” Berube said after the game.

Toronto was outscored 46-20 and controlled 33 percent of its expected goals at 5-on-5 in Sunday’s loss. And while Tavares’ line, featuring Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann, quietly controlled possession, it’s a moot point after losing back-to-back home games with seemingly no end in sight to the defensive errors.

A complete shutdown of the defensive side of the puck

Berube’s quote after the game is a nice summary of the Maple Leafs’ season so far. It’s a team effort, but the Maple Leafs’ defensive corps has started the year poorly, and it may be time to bring in some reinforcements.

Philippe Myers has struggled all year and doesn’t facilitate any real zone exits. Myers is prone to several giveaways, and he can’t be used on a special teams unit. Toronto controlled 13 percent of expected goals when Myers was on the ice 5-on-5, and neither of his partners has been able to improve his play. It’s not just at the bottom of the list either.

Jake McCabe was arguably Toronto’s best defensive player this season, but he made a number of mistakes and took two unnecessary penalties. McCabe made a crucial mistake on Logan Stankoven’s game-winning goal, handing the puck to Nikolaj Ehlers, and the team collapsed. Toronto was outscored 21-4 with McCabe on the ice, scoring a seven percent share of expected goals in all situations.

PRESENTED BY VIVID CHAIRS