To simply put it, the Toronto Maple Leafs got worked last night.
The Buds found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-2 loss to the first place Tampa Bay Lightning after surrendering 42 shots on goal. Only four Lightning players were held without a point while Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander were all held off the scoresheet. Leafs players expressed their frustration after the game including team superstar Auston Matthews, who insisted it was all a wake up call for what could come in the postseason. At the same time… he also emphasized the team’s lack of effort and how they got ‘slapped’ on home ice.
“They pretty much just slapped us.” “They beat us in every area of the ice.” “In the 3rd we pretty much just quit.” Safe to say Auston wasn’t too pleased following the defeat!
One of the glaring issues from the loss came on special teams. Not only did the Leafs go 0-2, but they also managed to give up a shorthanded goal to Cedric Paquette after completing one of the worse line changes you could possibly imagine. The goal put Tampa ahead 5-1 and the game out of reach at the end of the second period.
Head coach Mike Babcock obviously wasn't too pleased either. He shared some thoughts of his own but was a little more blunt with his comments.
On the bright side, Matthews snapped a six game goal drought but that didn’t seem to even cross his mind afterward. The Leafs will look to get back in the win column against the Chicago Blackhawks at home on Wednesday night.
(H/T Mark Masters)
