The Carolina Hurricanes fell 6-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena.
The Canes found themselves in an early 4-0 hole after one period, and despite a furious comeback effort in the third, they just couldn't overcome the deficit.
Following the game, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour spoke with the media in Toronto. Here's what he had to say:
The Hockey News - Poor Start Dooms Hurricanes In Toronto
The Carolina Hurricanes made a late push, but a terrible start was too much for them to overcome Saturday night, as they fell 6-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Rod Brind'Amour
On the start: The start was junk. They get up four and they really don't have to do anything. So yeah, it was good that we got three to give us a chance, but you can't come out in the first period and just play that light in our own end. That's really what it was. We were just making really poor decisions and they're too good. They're gonna score when you do that. Yeah we came back, but you can't come out and play like that to start the game.
On if he considered making a goaltender change: That's not really what we needed to do. We had our little TV timeout and we send a message that way. I mean, the goalie played good after that. That's not on him. That's a cop out. Changing your goalie at that point when it's not on him. That's why we didn't do that.
On if the time off played any part in the start: No, I mean, listen, they scored on their first three or four chances. And after that, it wasn't like we gave up a ton. I think they had 22 shots. So overall, it's not terrible, it's just that the ones we gave up early were gifts. The first one was a gift, just can't do that and it's stuff that we normally don't do. That's why you lose the game.
On the goals against: We made some poor puck decisions and just losing coverage. Getting light on guys. That's what I mean. Just like, 'Eh, I have my guy.' No you don't. Then it's in your net. They got a couple of bounces, some weird ones, right? But that's kind of what happens when you don't manage the puck properly.
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