Tuesday night, despite a goal from Auston Matthews that took the team closer to 60 and a milestone from William Nylander, the Maple Leafs squad was beset by injuries.
The players, understandably, placed the blame on themselves, and head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his distaste for the squad’s “immature” performance after the team lost 6-3 to the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena.
“Very immature throughout our entire game,” Keefe remarked. “Immature behaviour from our leaders and most seasoned players. And then, during the first period, a lot of our inexperienced and immature players committed blunders. Bobby McMann fails to perform his duties in a two-on-one. Additionally, (Matthew) Knies and (Pontus) Holmberg are caught on one goal. Goals were conceded by our third and fourth lines in the second period
Hence, both above and below, simply insufficient. Additionally, the club you’re playing against is one of the NHL’s most potent offensive units. Jack Hughes breaks away twice. If that’s the case, you’re not going to win the game.
Thus, I detested it. I really disliked our game tonight, and maybe the players felt the same or even more.
Though he tied a career high with his 40th goal of the year, Nylander would have rather won.
It’s jarring, Nylander remarked. “We are aware that we can do much better. There’s still time for us to step it up. We’ve been playing really well lately, I think. We entered and engaged in a brief game versus a Hence, both above and below, simply insufficient. Additionally, the club you’re playing against is one of the NHL’s most potent offensive units. Jack Hughes breaks away twice. If that’s the case, you’re not going to win the game.
Thus, I detested it. I really disliked our game tonight, and maybe the players felt the same or even more.
Though he tied a career high with his 40th goal of the year, Nylander would have rather won.
It’s jarring, Nylander remarked. “We are aware that we can do much better. There’s still time for us to step it up. We’ve been playing really well lately, I think. We entered and engaged in a brief game versus
Despite having nine shots out of the 45 that the Leafs took on Jake Allen, Matthews only managed 59 goals in 70 games, one short of his career high. Though 60 goals in 70 would have been nice, he still leads the league in goals his route to a third Rocket Richard Trophy. Only ten NHL players have scored as many goals in 70 games or less; Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux required only 62 games to achieve this feat in 1995–96.
Matthews was oppressed as well.
Matthews described the Leafs’ performance as a bit immature, emphasizing the need for a stronger killer instinct. He expressed disappointment in the team’s play, especially with only 10 games remaining in the season. The game started well for the Leafs, with an early goal from Tyler Bertuzzi and dominance in shots on goal but ultimately struggled to maintain their lead. Despite goals from Nylander and Matthews, mistakes piled up, leading to a loss against the Devils. The Leafs set a season-high with 25 shots in the first period.
