Game Review: Maple Leafs get back to losing ways in Washington

"In the second half of the first period, the Leafs started to string together some good shifts and legitimately tilt the ice at five-on-five. They forced three consecutive icings out of the Capitals. Unfortunately, the Auston Matthews line, in particular, didn't make enough out of some advantageous offensive-zone faceoff opportunities. Still, it was refreshing to see this Leafs team take control of a game for a notable spell at five-on-five against a strong opponent."

"We saw examples of them diligently checking back/reloading above the puck to recover possession in the neutral zone/the high ice in the offensive zone, getting them back onto the attack. There wasn't an effort issue tonight, and the shot clock and shot attempts did not fully capture the competitive balance of the game. Clocked possession time in the offensive zone would certainly be tighter than the shot differentials indicate."

"All of that said, it still wasn't good enough. They opened the game by getting out-attempted 17-4 and were fortunate to get a disallowed goal and a goal post to bail them out; we saw the familiar sights of sloppy breakouts and mindless dump-ins early on. Up 2-1, they also clearly needed some pushback and to spend more time grinding in the offensive zone when in possession of a one-goal lead in the third period."

Maple Leafs produced notable five-on-five pressure in the second half of the first period, forcing three consecutive Capitals icings, though the Auston Matthews line failed to capitalize on offensive-zone faceoff chances. Several forechecking bursts and diligent checking back above the puck recovered possession in the neutral and high offensive zones. Effort remained strong and shot/attempt totals understated the competitive balance; offensive zone possession time was closer than shot differentials suggested. Early play featured sloppy breakouts, mindless dump-ins and a 17-4 out-attempt deficit, with a disallowed goal and a post preventing a larger early deficit. Late defensive breakdowns on two Washington goals and insufficient possession while leading produced the loss.

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