Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs creep closer to rock bottom with 5-3 loss to Predators

"The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't hit rock bottom, but they're certainly getting closer by the day. After a great opening period in Nashville, Craig Berube's team blew two leads against the Predators, and couldn't claw their way back late. Yes, they seemed much more engaged and showed up on time. Yes, Craig Berube made changes throughout the lineup, and early on, it worked. Unfortunately, it didn't persist for a full 60 minutes, and Leafs Nation is reminded there's no morale victories in sports."

"It's a tough place to be when the few Leafs' positives start with the return of Matias Maccelli. The shifty winger finally made his way back into Berube's lineup, his first game since November 28. Maccelli was engaged in all three zones and showed off some great chemistry with William Nylander and John Tavares. Maccelli has not been consistent at all as a Leaf, and a big part of that is he's facilitating too much."

"The first period overall for the Maple Leafs was very positive. Berube put the lines in a blender as all four were different from the dismal effort Thursday night in Washington. Toronto came out with some urgency, they played with speed, and they had a totally different flow to their game. Unfortunately, that was only the first 20 minutes. Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan had strong games, Calle Jarnkrok looked out of place."

The Maple Leafs showed a strong opening period in Nashville but surrendered two leads and failed to regain control late. Craig Berube adjusted the lineup and lines early, producing improved engagement, speed and flow for the first 20 minutes, but the performance did not last the full 60. Matias Maccelli returned and displayed engagement in all three zones and chemistry with William Nylander and John Tavares, while Nick Robertson and Easton Cowan had strong games. Joseph Woll had mixed results, and Adam Wilsby's weak wrister late in the second period tied the game and deflated the team. Organizational decisions are looming.

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