Leafs' record-setting run comes to a disappointing end
The Leafs and Avalanche did not give fans what they expected to see last night. With all of the fire power on both sides and a national broadcast in the US, many were hoping for a high-scoring, back and forth game. What we got was a tightly-contested game that ended up being decided in a shootout, with the Avs skating away with a 2-1 win.
The Leafs were held to just 18 shots, their lowest total all season, while the Avs managed to put 29 shots up on Ilya Samsonov, who was fantastic in defeat. This is the second loss in a row for the Leafs after they lost to Buffalo on Monday night, and the loss also marks the end of a significant streak for the Leafs. It was the first time in 48 games that the Leafs lost when giving up 2 or fewer goals. Their 47-game win streak was the longest in NHL history.
While the Leafs' impressive streak came to an end last night, they showed that they can play a very well-rounded, tight, defensive game against the best of the best - something they will have to do consistently if they want to make it far into the playoffs. The Leafs have an opportunity to do so Friday night as they host the Hurricanes before heading to Ottawa on Saturday night for the always eventful Battle of Ontario.
