"Process-wise, this 5-4 loss to Carolina was more akin to an 8-3 blowout than it was a one-goal hockey game in which Matthew Knies and William Nylander both had empty-net looks in the third period that, if converted, would've salvaged a point for the Leafs, if not two. While they're banged up on the backend, the Hurricanes could fairly be labeled the best opponent the Leafs have faced this season, given they're currently 11-4-0 and a Conference finalist from last season."
"Calle Jarnkrok didn't get it deep, so Morgan Rielly got caught scrambling for a change, leading to a breakaway. William Nylander turned it over twice in bad spots in the neutral zone, once leading to a penalty and another leading to a breakaway. Nick Robertson turned it over high in the offensive zone for another breakaway. Rielly senselessly jumped in with numbers already committed, leading to yet another Hurricane breakaway."
The Maple Leafs lost 5-4 to Carolina, a defeat that resembled a decisive blowout due to process failures. The Hurricanes' persistent forecheck and high-volume shooting exposed Toronto's difficulty breaking out cleanly and keeping the front of the net tidy for goaltenders. The Leafs' structure and attention to detail collapsed after a strong recent stretch. The second period was particularly damaging, with four breakaways conceded. Specific turnovers by Calle Jarnkrok, William Nylander, Nick Robertson and a mistimed Morgan Rielly jump led to multiple breakaways and a penalty. Scoring chances off turnovers were 12-2 in Carolina's favour after 40 minutes. The Leafs trailed or were tied for most of the third period.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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