To say the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to start this season is an understatement. When it comes to the roster and even new faces, there are plenty of veterans from last season who should not get this start. This team has been known for slow starts in the past, but this one is the most concerning of them all.
There have been plenty of games where the trend of their poor play has been apparent, such as against the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets. However, none was more notable than their 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although you might think it wouldn’t be that bad since they won, although it was probably one of their worst performances all season when it came to competition and execution.
With one month in the books and the Maple Leafs showing they have the ability to turn it around this time of the season, that win not only serves as a turning point, but more importantly, a major wake-up call.
Win can serve as a turning point
There’s always a point in a season where things look bleak for a team. There is one match that stands out and gives a team hope and positivity moving forward. The Maple Leafs have seen plenty where it boosts their confidence as a team and they go on a long winning streak. This game against the Penguins could do just that.
For forty minutes, nothing went right for them. It was truly a terrible game for the team in terms of execution, decision-making and overall level of competition. However, a comeback kicked off with a goal from Auston Matthews and then two from William Nylander to continue the rally to turn the game around when everything looked extremely bleak. When I used MoneyPuck’s ‘Deserve to Win O’Meter’, the Penguins had at least a 70% chance of winning the game.
Based on the overall picture of the game, the Penguins defeated the Maple Leafs in every category. Shots (37-20), shot attempts (59-34), scoring opportunities at five-on-five (29-18), special teams, puck battles, rush opportunities, the Penguins were better and held the Maple Leafs for 40 minutes. Whatever head coach Craig Berube said during the second intermission really struck a chord and they found their game.
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If they go on the attack, perform a forecheck and regain possession. That’s when they are at their best. They didn’t do that consistently, but they did just that and let their skill and quick puck movement take over. It’s one of those comebacks that can really motivate and give life to a group. Matthews said after the game that their play in the third period is who they are as a tenacious team. You want to see your captain send that message and even have him speak to his play on the ice with two points and key defensive blocks in his own end.
Despite the team making a huge comeback and the star players leading the way, this win is more than just a game to get things back on track for them. They were under heavy scrutiny for 40 minutes and 20 minutes of actual competition should not be overlooked in what came before.
Despite the victory, it is a huge wake-up call
The Maple Leafs barely picked up two points after showing what they are capable of in the third period. However, the first 40 minutes were extremely concerning as this has been a trend all season. This is the wake-up call that needs to be embedded in their mindset.
According to Sportsnet’s Luke FoxBerube didn’t hold back. “They took the puck and did whatever they wanted with it. We didn’t check anyone. We didn’t knock anyone off the puck… they just kept coming down our throats. It’s not good enough.”
Nylander said their play was “unacceptable” and that “our level of competition was not high.”
Addressing the first 40 minutes, Matthews said: “Everything from effort to energy, the execution just wasn’t good enough in the first two periods.”
It’s great that the players are well aware that their play is unacceptable. But the problem remains that they’ve been in these games before and they still have to put everything together. Not only this season, but also in the past. Such games fall solely on them and if they fail to turn it around or even learn their lesson, they will never learn it.
If this team wants to go far, these mediocre starts and current play aren’t going to cut it. It took them 40 minutes to get everything going and play their game against the Penguins; being tough on offense, forcing turnovers, making quick transitions and letting their skills take over after entering the zone. Before this it was a mess where their lack of effort and competition was evident. Even in previous games it was noticeable. There isn’t as much skill to rely on now and they need to have more of an employee mentality. They’re still trying to make those plays, but they’re not smart about it in all three zones and they’re paying the price.
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They talk about a different mentality, being more physical and energetic, but not playing to that standard as the Florida Panthers have shown. The lack of consistency in their use of words and the mediocre play do not indicate that they have clearly shown that they are more difficult to play against this season. They’re okay in one game, like against the Philadelphia Flyers, and the next they look completely disjointed and focused. Despite being above average in expected goals percentage (50.71%) and scoring chances (50.18%), they are run all over the place.
There is always an adjustment period in which changes take place, but know that this is no longer enough. It’s now up to everyone to step up and find that extra gear, and not just for 20 minutes. Therefore, this game should be a huge wake-up call for the team if they continue to play like this. Not only will they be fighting for a playoff or wildcard spot, they could step out of that conversation altogether.
Statistics of Natural statistical trick.
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