Article content material
The Edmonton Oilers merely don’t lose hockey video games.
Commercial 2
Article content material
In opposition to a Maple Leafs crew that’s experiencing some big-time points, that wasn’t about to vary.
Article content material
A 2-0 Leafs lead on Tuesday night time in Edmonton appeared too good to be true, and positive sufficient, it was.
When Ryan McLeod beat a screened Martin Jones — by Connor McDavid, no much less — at 16:55 of the third interval, the Oilers wanted no extra, scoring their third unanswered purpose in a 4-2 win.
An empty-net purpose by Evan Bouchard put an exclamation mark on the Oilers’ eleventh win in a row.
For the second time this season and first since Oct. 24-Nov. 4, the Leafs have misplaced 4 video games in a row. It gained’t get any simpler as their four-game journey continues in Calgary in opposition to the Flames on Thursday.
As a lot because the Leafs have performed uneven hockey this season, it was simply the fourth time they misplaced in regulation on the highway. That gained’t dampen hypothesis that it’s time for a training change, although it might take some warmth off Sheldon Keefe if the Leafs can pull it collectively and win a pair earlier than they return dwelling to face the Winnipeg Jets subsequent Wednesday.
Your Noon Solar
Article content material
Commercial 3
Article content material
And if normal supervisor Brad Treliving ultimately decides {that a} change behind the bench is required, the place is the judgment on the gamers he has added since taking up? As soon as one will get previous the always-present core, Keefe is working with lower than what he had final season.
In any occasion, it was harsh method for the Leafs to start out the second half of their season.
Our takeaways:
THE LEAD, AND THEN …
A multiple-goal Leafs lead disappeared, persevering with on a theme that has change into a worrisome problem for the group.
Toronto had a 3-0 lead on Saturday in opposition to the Colorado Avalanche and misplaced 5-3. Two nights earlier, the Leafs led the New York Islanders by two and misplaced 4-3 in extra time.
The Oilers stored Jones on his toes all through the night, and at last bought to him when Leon Draisaitl scored at 15:41 of the second interval on a backhand from a nasty angle.
Commercial 4
Article content material
Derek Ryan scored the tying purpose at 2:27 of the third, depositing a move from McLeod into the web. Ryan was left open in entrance, a improvement that got here when Morgan Rielly went to defend in opposition to McLeod and TJ Brodie, who didn’t transfer with urgency, didn’t arrive in time to examine Ryan.
So what comes subsequent for the Leafs? How do they rebound in Calgary? The shortage of killer intuition, and that’s the simplest approach to put it, has taken on a lifetime of its personal. Would a brand new coach change that?
AS THEY SHOULD
When you’re going to settle the jangled nerves of a fanbase stuffed with angst following a three-game shedding streak, greatest to attempt to get that forward of it as quickly as doable.
And if that’s going to occur, you’re going to want your high gamers to make it so.
Commercial 5
Article content material
So it went that Auston Matthews scored at 27 seconds of the primary, taking a move from Mitch Marner and beating Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner with a fast shot. Instantly, the Leafs served discover that they weren’t coming with the identical listless strategy that resulted in a 4-2 loss in opposition to Detroit on Sunday.
Simply over minute after the Matthews purpose — which, by the best way, was the 333rd of his profession, shifting him previous Ron Ellis for fourth in Leafs historical past — Tyler Bertuzzi hit the submit.
Matthews additionally had an help, but it surely was one other quiet night time for captain John Tavares and William Nylander. It’s 5 video games with out a level for Tavares and 4 pointless video games in a row for Nylander. That’s a season-high skid for every.
Pontus Holmberg, in the meantime, didn’t look misplaced on a line with Matthews and Marner. Holmberg has the smarts to maintain up, and he picked up a few assists.
Commercial 6
Article content material
KNOW WHEN TO GO
Rielly’s offensive instincts set him other than each different participant who earns a dwelling as a Leafs defenceman, and that was on show once more.
Rielly’s third purpose in 5 video games got here when he jumped up and previous Zach Hyman, taking a touch-pass from Matthews to present the Leafs a 2-0 lead at 10:52 of the second interval. As Hyman scrambled to catch as much as Rielly, the latter beat Skinner for his seventh purpose of the season.
Seconds after the Rielly purpose, Hyman appeared to have scored a magnificence to get the Oilers inside one. Keefe challenged for offside and bought it proper but once more, because the replay confirmed Hyman was offside earlier than scoring on a high-quality particular person effort.
And although the previous teammates have at all times had wholesome respect for one another, it’s uncertain they bought collectively for a Pepsi after the sport, because the industrial they did collectively would recommend.
Commercial 7
Article content material
In a season the place the Leafs have needed to endure accidents to numerous defencemen, Rielly has been the fixed presence, taking part in in all 42 video games. He has 35 factors and has continued to log main minutes, not often moving into hassle.
As we’ve stated, it’s becoming that Rielly’s first all-star sport look will are available Toronto, given the service he has supplied for the group since he was picked fifth general in 2012.
We requested Keefe not too long ago if Rielly is among the many extra modest gamers he has coached.
“Yeah, for positive,” Keefe stated. “I believe so. I believe that’s why he’s so well-liked. Each teammate who comes via right here, he’s a man that pulls individuals collectively. I believe our followers see those self same sort of issues. He’s very well-respected teammate and participant within the league, little question.”
X: @koshtorontosun
Article content material
