Leafs Engage in a Very Aggressive Practice Following Consecutive Losses
After disastrous defeats by a combined score of 11-3, it should come as no surprise that the Leafs took to the ice in what became an aggressive practice on Friday.
Perhaps Tuesday night's loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets could have been chalked up as a loss that was bound to happen considering the trap-like element of the Jackets as well it being a back-to-back slate and their third game in four nights.
However, last night's home contest against the St. Louis Blues makes it look a lot more concerning as it was their third defeat in four games and the Leafs looked pretty uninspired, starting at the top with players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Last night's loss was tough for a variety of reasons, including the Blues being Craig Berube's old stomping grounds, the star players being chewed out by their head coach mid-game, and a fan throwing their jersey onto the ice near the end of the game.
So, it shouldn't be all too surprising that the Maple Leafs returned to the ice for this morning's practice with a little more pep in their step. Below is a video of William Nylander and Timothy Liljegren going toe-to-toe in a spirited net-front battle. David Alter also adds that before this play, locker room leaders Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly had their own battle as well.
The Maple Leafs started the season with a defeat against the Montreal Canadiens but controlled the entire game. They followed that up with 3 consecutive victories but have fallen in a pit over the last week or so. With Berube at the helm, expect swift changes to be on their way as accountability is always at the top of his list.
They are set to face the Boston Bruins on the road tomorrow night in a playoff rematch and if that doesn't get them going, I'm not sure what will.
