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Marner’s Magic Not Enough, Maple Leafs Fall 5-3 to Habs

By Chris Okrainetz

Jan 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Artturi Lehkonen (62) celebrates after scoring past Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) and defenceman Connor Carrick (8) in the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Artturi Lehkonen (62) celebrates after scoring past Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) and defenceman Connor Carrick (8) in the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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And the Toronto Maple Leafs (17-12-8) losing streak to the Montreal Canadiens (25-9-6) carries on… sigh*

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Thoughts and Observations

  • Even with seven regulars out of the lineup, the Toronto Maple Leafs could not beat the Montreal Canadiens and the Buds extended their losing streak to 13 games against the Habs.

    • Despite the result,

    Mitch Marner

    put on a show against the Canadiens. He was excellent on the penalty kill, even creating a few chances, and he finished the night with three points, which was highlighted by this beautiful

    Patrick Kane

    -like assist on

    James van Riemsdyk

    ‘s goal.

  • Tonight just wasn’t Frederik Andersen‘s night. He started the game off by allowing a pair of goals in the first four minutes and didn’t look like himself throughout this game. He has posted a .865 save percentage over his last four games and could be tired from his recent workload. Either way, the Leafs need a capable backup.
    • Zach Hyman

    gave Habs fans a scare when he made an aggressive play towards the net and bulldozed

    Carey Price

    . Montreal fans were livid on social media, which is standard behavior, but once Hyman blew by

    Alexei Emelin

    , where was he supposed to go? If he could somehow defy physics and avoid Price after Emelin pushed him, I think we would all be impressed.

    More from Toronto Maple Leafs

  • The Leafs’ fourth line started their bye week early and only played in four minutes of this game. Josh Leivo chipped in with 4:16 of ice time, Matt Martin had 3:54, and Frederik Gauthier, who was tossed after fighting with Bobby Farnham, logged 3:30. Losing Gauthier was a big reason the Leafs’ fourth line didn’t see much ice time, but it’s clear Mike Babcock needs more from this trio.
  • There’s definitely no love lost between these two teams. On top of the line brawl and Gauthier’s ejection, Shea Weber and Hyman exchanged words — and a few punches — at the end of the second period, and there was a grand total of 24 penalties in this game.
  • Auston Matthews points streak ended Saturday night at eight games. He had seven goals and five assists during his streak. Although he was held off the score sheet, Matthews won 73 percent of his draws against the Habs and was easily one of their best possession players as well.

    • Babs took some of the blame for Freddy’s struggles on Saturday:

    Stat of the Night

    2-11-1

    Prior to Saturday night’s game, the Maple Leafs had a 2-10-1 record this season when they entered the third period trailing. Well, Toronto began the third period trailing Montreal 4-3 and, thanks to an early third period goal, they kept the trend alive and lost 5-3 to the Canadiens.

    Just like learning how to hold a third period lead, this team is also learning how to come from behind, which is a fancy way of saying they lack experience.

    What’s Next

    The Maple Leafs will be off for five days on their scheduled bye week before heading to the Big Apple to take on the New York Rangers (28-13-1) on Friday.

    Babcock isn’t a fan of the new bye week, which was negotiated with the players during this season in exchange for them agreeing to a change in the All-Star Game format, and he doesn’t think it’s good for the players.

    “I think it’s 100 percent wrong for player safety,” said Babcock. “You’ve got so many games in a short period of time and you’re jamming in more. To me, the more days rest you can have by not playing back-to-backs and jamming it in the healthier you have a chance to be I believe.”

    Considering the Leafs have 18 back-to-back sets this season, I’d say Babcock has a good point.

    Next: At Least One Team has Expressed Interest in JVR

    What did you think of the Maple Leafs 5-3 loss to the Canadiens on Saturday night? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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