A deeper issue is emerging in the Maple Leafs' late-game execution
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs' late-game performance against the Hurricanes generated discussion among analysts after they were held without a shot in the final minutes of a 5-4 loss.
In the latter half of the third period against Carolina, the Maple Leafs were unable to muster a shot in a game they were handily winning 4-2, but ultimately lost and put another spotlight on their early season struggles.
Having no shots from your team for that length of time is not conducive to winning games, and the Maple Leafs have to start getting things into focus before the season becomes insurmountable.
What the late-game sequence revealed about Toronto's overall structure
That late game sequence really got analyst Nick Kypreos and company talking, and they were at a loss for what Craig Berube can do to identify how the group can adjust in similar late-game situations.
For context, Sammy Blais' shot at 10:48 of the third period was the last one for Toronto in a game where Carolina had 50 more shot attempts overall.
Kypreos discussed the sequence and referenced Berube's post-game comments about their end-game mentality:
He's wrong because he says 'We don't value it enough' and I'm like 'You don't value it at all.'
Not at all. Zero. Enough means that you might be close. You're not close.
I don't think I've seen ever seen as a player or a broadcaster in all my time, a team with around 8 or 9 minutes left and not end up with one shot on goal to try to tie it up.
Where is the push after you're down? When they didn't have a shot? Like Craig Berube can scream all he wants 'gotta get better'. You can't at this rate.
Whatever frustration Berube is showing, the players aren't responding. It's not working.
Not at all. Zero. Enough means that you might be close. You're not close.
I don't think I've seen ever seen as a player or a broadcaster in all my time, a team with around 8 or 9 minutes left and not end up with one shot on goal to try to tie it up.
Where is the push after you're down? When they didn't have a shot? Like Craig Berube can scream all he wants 'gotta get better'. You can't at this rate.
Whatever frustration Berube is showing, the players aren't responding. It's not working.
It shows that besides the lack of rush defense and mental miscues, the Maple Leafs' lack of energy is a glaring issue that needs a quick resolution.
Why their current approach isn't translating into late-game pressure
Their approach remained largely unchanged late in the third period, even as Carolina increased pressure. With only minutes left in the game, the team continued to dump and chase instead of trying to swarm the Hurricanes.
Toronto's most effective when they are close to the net, and the constant back passes and chips to the blueline are inconsistent at both ends of the ice.
The coaching staff may need to evaluate adjustments when similar situations arise, and there has to be room to adapt somewhere, be it forwards or defensemen.
The team's possession numbers are below average, they are giving up more high-danger chances than they are getting, and while they are above average in expected goals for (34.5 xGF) they are also one of the worst in expected goals against (38.1 xGA).
If the Toronto Maple Leafs can't learn to adapt their game depending on the situation, improving situational adjustments will remain a priority as they navigate a challenging portion of the schedule.
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