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Toronto Maple Leafs: Missed Opportunities on the Power Play Costly

By David Morassutti

Apr 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) prepares to make a save on Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitch Marner (16) in the third period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1 in overtime and lead the series 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) prepares to make a save on Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitch Marner (16) in the third period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1 in overtime and lead the series 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the fifth straight game the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals were involved in a close contest, but the Buds failed to execute when it mattered.

Nazem Kadri‘s hit on Alexander Ovechkin in the first period of Game 6 was one of the main stories, as the Toronto Maple Leafs were unable to tie up the series against the Washington Capitals. However, that should not be the narrative for the Leafs’ loss – what should be is their inability to capitalize on opportunities.

The dynamic of the game changed when Ovehckin left for the locker room, as the Capitals took the hit personally and made the Leafs pay when T.J. Oshie scored on the ensuing power play. Despite that, the Leafs did not back down and pushed the pace, especially Auston Matthews‘ line and the fourth line.

It does not take a genius to realize what the Leafs biggest problem was on Friday. The Capitals were undisciplined in taking five penalties, but two were offsetting minors, so the Leafs had three power play opportunities and converted on none of them.

The Leafs only managed four shots in total with the man advantage, which is not going to cut it. Don Cherry said if the Leafs expect Braden Holtby to let in the easy shots that he can see without any traffic or deflections, it probably won’t happen.

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The Capitals blocked 22 shots in Game 6 so the Leafs need to find ways to generate chances, especially rebounds. That is what happened when Matthews scored as he found the puck in front and was able to get it past Holtby, who couldn’t track it.

Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston looked into the issues the Leafs have had on the power play, especially trying to gain entry in the offensive zone. He talked about how the Leafs were getting frustrated, which is understandable as the Capitals were seventh in the league on the penalty kill at 83.8 percent. Even though the Leafs have a deep arsenal of offensive weapons, the Capitals are not giving them any space to move the puck around.

One change Mike Babcock made was using Brian Boyle‘s massive six-foot-six frame like the Boston Bruins use Zdeno Chara on their power play. Boyle can win faceoffs and provide an effective screen in front of the net which will give the Leafs a different look with both units. A player like Leo Komarov could be substituted for Boyle and Nikita Zaitsev could stand to shoot more from the point.

If Zaitsev is not confident in shooting from the point, then Connor Carrick would be a better option. What made Carrick successful with the Toronto Marlies last season was his shot from the point and maybe it is time to give him an opportunity with the power play, especially because he does not see a lot of time at even strength or the penalty kill.

The other part of the power play the Leafs need to work on, is somehow getting a player open in the slot. Tyler Bozak‘s game-winning goal in Game 3 is a perfect example of what can happen when a player is left open in the slot.

The Leafs do not have the luxury of a player who has a hard shot like Ovechkin at the point. Matthews and William Nylander have the best shot on the Leafs and James van Riemsdyk has been much better when he is given time and space with the puck.

The Leafs have to find a way to take advantage of the opportunities they are given. If not, it will be tough to see them forcing a Game 7.

Next: Marlies’ Quest for the Calder Cup is On

"“Obviously, they got in our head a little bit there because we’re not coming with the same kind of pace we normally do on entries,” said Babcock to Johnston and other reporters after the game. “But we’re going to have to win some faceoffs, we’ve got to win some battles and compete in that area because any way you look at it our specialty teams have been real good in some ways, but it cost us tonight.”"

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