The Penguins went 2-for-5 and handed the Maple Leafs back-to-back regulation losses for the first time since October.
PITTSBURGH — Every member of the Toronto Maple Leafs who spoke following their 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins was in agreement on why they fell short at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday
"We took a little bit too many penalties. I think that might have been a factor, but I thought we played good today," Maple Leafs forward William Nylander said. "So we've got to be happy with that."
The Maple Leafs dominated at even strength in the first period but found themselves trailing 2-1 after goals from Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. At even strength, Toronto controlled 88 percent of the expected-goals share, according to NaturalStatTrick.com. However, their inability to stay out of the penalty box proved costly.
Nylander tied the game in the second period with his team-leading 17th goal of the season, but penalties derailed Toronto's momentum. Max Pacioretty, returning to the lineup for the first time since November 9 after recovering from a lower-body injury, took two minor penalties for roughing Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.
"I got to be probably smarter there. But, you know, the right intent is there," Pacioretty said. "I just got to be a bit more disciplined."
Pacioretty was given an opportunity to skate with the team's top stars, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. That line contributed to Marner's 10th goal of the season at 6:35 of the first period.
"I just felt like he was going to be a heavy player for them down low in the offensive zone, and they ended up getting a goal out of it," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said. "I thought Max did a good job tonight with them guys. I thought he kind of maybe died off later on in the game. He hasn’t played in a while."
The Penguins, who struggled early this season, have now won four of their last five games. Rakell had a standout performance with a goal and an assist, while Rust and former Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting's goal in the third period created distance for Pittsburgh.
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Joseph Woll faced a tough night in net for Toronto, making 24 saves on 27 shots for Woll’s struggles were compounded by Toronto’s inability to capitalize on key power-play opportunities, finishing 1-for-3, compared to Pittsburgh's 2-for-5 on the man advantage.
Toronto’s even-strength dominance was overshadowed by lapses in discipline and missed opportunities. For the Penguins, the win pushed them to 12-13-4 on the season, showing signs of life as they climbed out of their early-season struggles. The Maple Leafs, however, have now lost back-to-back regulation games for the first time since October.
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The Leafs will look to rebound in a crucial matchup against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday to avoid a deeper skid. Maintaining consistency has been a strong point for Toronto this season, but this stretch will test their resilience.