'Neutral Zone Was The Autobahn For Them Tonight': Maple Leafs React To What Was Easily Their Worst Game Of The Season Against Blue Jackets
The Toronto Maple Leafs lacked a flow and speed and were left to just "flush it".
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Toronto Maple Leafs fell short in every aspect of the game during their 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday.
They struggled to win puck battles, lacked speed, and appeared lifeless and possibly fatigued.
Despite this, the Leafs didn't offer excuses.
"I thought the neutral zone was the Autobahn for them tonight," said Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews of the Jackets after the game. "They were just coming in, flying through, and we didn’t have very good gaps, very good angles. It didn’t transition very well, and on nights where the puck's bobbling, you're fighting it a little bit."
Toronto fell behind quickly, giving up a 3-0 lead to Columbus by the end of the first period. Was fatigue a factor, given it was their third game in four nights?
Perhaps, but they didn't lean on that as an excuse. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube dismissed that notion.
"It really comes down to the fact that we didn’t skate well tonight," Berube said. "They skated through us all night. We didn’t win many puck battles, and we didn’t defend well. That’s what happens. The only positive was the penalty kill."
The Leafs were perfect on the penalty kill, going 4-for-4.
Although Berube didn't necessarily openly direct his team like he did the other night when a 5-0 lead became a 5-2 lead against the Los Angeles Kings in their fourth game of the season, he did communicate his displeasure behind closed doors.
"No one’s happy about that game. No one’s sitting there with a smile on their face. So it's just holding in anger and frustration," said Mitch Marner. "Flush it down the toilet. Game's over with. Can't do anything now about it. Be ready for Thursday."
For much of the game, Toronto spent time hemmed in their own zone. They tried to build momentum midway through the second period but couldn't create many high-quality scoring chances.
One of Toronto’s best chances came when Matthews received a slick pass from Marner. His initial shot was saved by Columbus goaltender Daniil Tarasov, who then managed to catch the puck in mid-air before Matthews could knock it into the net.
Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson eventually scored for Toronto, but it was too little, too late to mount a serious comeback.
This game highlighted the importance of consistency in the league, especially on nights when the team isn't feeling its best. The Leafs emphasized the need for attention to detail and staying connected as a unit.
Toronto now shifts its focus to Thursday when they host Berube's former team, the St. Louis Blues. How the Maple Leafs respond will be crucial.
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