Last night, the Maple Leafs suffered a tough loss to the Red Wings in enemy territory, dropping their record to 18-10-2 on the season.
The defeat was especially frustrating, as the Maple Leafs only managed 24 shots on goal -- well below their average of just under 29 shots per game.
In the aftermath of the tough defeat, Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed his disappointment with the team's compete level.
Berube's comments focused on the need for better shot production and improved defensive play. Pretty fair expectations from a coach.
The game also featured a controversial non-call on Ben Chiarot, following a knee-on-knee collision between Alex DeBrincat and Max Pacioretty early in the first period, which set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Recently, Berube defended Auston Matthews, acknowledging that while Matthews is playing well, he still needs to score more. Matthews responded with a power-play goal in this game, his 10th of the season and just his 2nd power play goal of the year.
The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back from this loss on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena when they face another Atlantic Division rival, the Buffalo Sabres, on the second half of their back-to-back set.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 1940 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube Criticizes His Team's Effort After Loss to Red Wings Will the Maple Leafs finish atop the Atlantic Division by the end of the season? | ||
Yes | 1114 | 57.4 % |
No | 826 | 42.6 % |
List of polls |