Leafs defenseman shouldering some of the blame for the loss in Arizona

Timmins has largely been very good for the Leafs since coming over from the Coyotes back on November 23rd, skating in 10 games for the Buds so far and racking up 8 assists along the way. His work on the defensive side of the puck has also been really strong. Unfortunately, he got into some penalty trouble in this one and it resulted in the Yotes scoring the game-tying goal early in the 3rd period.

Following the game, Timmins spoke with the media in Arizona and despite the fact that losing is a team effort, the 24-year-old was wearing this one, shouldering a lot of the blame despite the fact that he registered 2 assists in 17:31 of ice time.

It's clear from Timmins' comments that he's one of those players who doesn't stomach losing very well. It doesn't sit well with him. While he wants to internalize this one and make it about what he could have done better, this one isn't on Timmins. By all accounts, he played well in the vast majority of the game. It just so happens that his accidental high-stick was caught by the official and the Yotes made good with literally one second left on the power play. One more cleared puck or one more timely save and we're likely not even having this conversation.

The Leafs will look to rebound from this one against a banged up Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night in a special New Years Eve matchup. Let's hope Timmins and the boys can end 2022 on a winning note.