"But in the circumstances - facing a Vegas team that stormed back to snatch a win from them a week ago, with the emotional weight of this game for the fans in the building (and supposedly the players in blue on the ice?), and after losing two in a row at home - giving up four goals in 25 minutes, while looking as flat as the Leafs did, is completely inexcusable."
"They finished with 21 shots on goal despite trailing for 59 minutes of the game. Craig Berube spoke about the need for a higher standard after the game. To be clear, the lack of jump early in this game - or physical investment, until Simon Benoit's semi-noteworthy hit late in the first period - falls largely on the players. But the need for a higher standard starts behind the bench, too:"
"- Easton Cowan has been on the struggle bus for an extended stretch now. These serious games against good teams are overwhelming for him, and he's trending down toward the 10-11 minute range regularly (deservedly). The immaturities in his game, as seen when defending the rush for the 2-0 Vegas goal (curling away from the net instead of sticking with his check), again cost the team tonight."
The Maple Leafs began the game flat and conceded four goals within 25 minutes, a performance described as inexcusable given recent context. The team showed a brief ten-minute resurgence in the second period but remained behind for most of the contest, finishing with 21 shots on goal. Craig Berube called for a higher standard and attributed early lapses to player effort while also faulting the bench. Easton Cowan has struggled in high-level games, displaying defensive immaturities and reduced minutes. Scott Laughton received less ice time than Cowan despite contributing a goal and arguably deserving more usage.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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