Wayne Simmonds takes ownership for Leafs' Game 2 loss; officiating also an issue
Hockey is a team sport and you win as a team and you lose as a team, but that doesn't seem to stop players - especially experienced veterans - from speaking out and taking responsibility for their actions when they have a direct impact on the outcome of a game. Such was the case for Wayne Simmonds on Wednesday.
The Leafs dropped a tough 5-3 decision at home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, despite outplaying the Lightning through much of the contest. The Buds are particularly strong when it comes to special teams, but on Wednesday, a strength became a weakness, as Sheldon Keefe's crew allowed 3 power play goals on the night, which was ultimately the difference in the game.
Following the game, Wayne Simmonds spoke with the media, pointing at the Leafs' inability to stay out of the box as the main shortcoming in the game. He put himself at the forefront of that.
-Simmonds on the Leafs' penalty troubles on Wednesday
While Simmonds had no qualms with taking ownership for the loss, the NHL officials are not without fault, as the penalty scaling heavily favoured Tampa. Despite the fact that there were several call-worthy infractions committed by the Bolts, they held an edge with 7 powerplays to the Leafs' 4.
Still, if the Leafs hope to win this series, they'll have to show a lot more discipline and restraint, officiating aside. They also need to find a way to convert on the powerplay.
| POLL | ||
MAI 5 | 42 ANSWERS Wayne Simmonds takes ownership for Leafs' Game 2 loss; officiating also an issue What was the main area of Game 2 that cost the Leafs the win? | ||
| Penalties | 14 | 33.3 % |
| Officiating | 11 | 26.2 % |
| Lack of powerplay success | 3 | 7.1 % |
| All of the above | 14 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
