Leafs captain expresses disappointment with his team after embarrassing loss to lowly Yotes
Watching the game, it felt like the Leafs had 100 shots in the first period against Arizona only to trail 1-0 after the first. The second period was much of the same and they trailed 2-0 after that period. However, I was shocked to find out that even with all of the puck possession time, the Leafs only generated 13 shots on goal through 2 periods. They were finally able to open up in the third with 15 shots and get on the board, only to collapse with another bad giveaway late and hand the Coyotes the lead.
It has been a theme for the Leafs for years. They always play down to the lesser opponents and often get beat because of it. There were at least 5 or 6 games last season that the Leafs could have sleepwalked their way through and easily won but completely fell asleep at the wheel and lost, ultimately costing themselves the Presidents Trophy. It would appear they're heading down that road again early this season.
Not only are the fans disappointed in their efforts, booing the Leafs at the end of the second last night, but Sheldon Keefe called out his "Core 4" last night, stating that his elite players didn't look very elite. John Tavares also had this to say about his team's efforts.
"We're disappointed. We didn't play as well as we're capable of. Not every night is going to be your best and you got to find a way to to get life into your game."
The key to what Tavares is saying here is that having off nights is okay, which it is. But the team has to find a way to compete when they're having those off nights. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, the Leafs' off nights usually come against lesser opponents. At some point, you have to acknowledge that as a bad habit rather than a bad outing.
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