Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Observations from 6-3 loss to the Devils
By Austin Owens
3) Players in the doghouse
We’re going to have to go back to the 5-on-3 goal again for a second. Shortly after that took place, Nylander was taken off his line with Auston Matthews and Zach Hyman, and replaced by Connor Brown.
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The more interesting move was James van Riemsdyk taking shifts with Dominic Moore and Matt Martin for a portion of the game. Leafs head coach Mike Babcock clearly wasn’t happy with his team’s performances. Hell, he’s usually not happy with the performance when they win either.
There’s always something to improve when it comes to a Babcock team and this team will have a lot to improve on going into their next game.
Lastly, Frederik Andersen has allowed 14 goals in his last three starts. After getting off to a great start in the season opener against Winnipeg, the Leafs starter has had a rough patch of games. He needs to find his game, and quick. The Leafs can’t afford to play a 6-5 score every night, or at least their fans can’t.
Next: Frederik Andersen’s quest to become the first great Dane
The Maple Leafs will be looking to snap a 14-game losing streak against the rival Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Saturday. Montreal has started the season at 1-3, and only have four goals in as many contests. Both teams will be hungry to take first blood in the season series.
What did you think about the game? Is this just a blimp in the radar or are there issues that need to be addressed before Saturday’s game?