After receiving a stern call-out from their goaltender, the Toronto Maple Leafs have now faced a setback, suffering two consecutive losses. Their latest defeat came at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres, ending with a score of 5-3. Despite glimpses of improvement, including a notable performance from William Nylander, defensive missteps and a troubling short-handed goal underscored the team’s struggles, leaving them with a disappointing record of 3-4-1 early in the season.
Nylander’s status became a concern as he left the game in the third period after receiving a cross-check from Sabres forward Jason Zucker. Before his exit, Nylander scored his seventh goal of the season, placing him second in the league with 14 points in eight games. Leafs coach Craig Berube did not confirm the severity of Nylander’s injury or his availability for the next game, which adds to the team’s urgency as they seek to regroup.
On the goaltending front, Anthony Stolarz’s struggles have become evident. He has allowed four goals in each of the past three games, raising alarms as this is not the performance expected from a goaltender who previously boasted a league-best save percentage. Stolarz faced criticism for his performance against the Sabres, conceding five goals on 30 shots. Despite a chaotic game resembling a “pond hockey” showdown, defensive lapses by the Leafs compounded their issues, creating an uphill battle for Stolarz, who appeared less nimble and effective than his previous form.
While there are subtle indications that Auston Matthews may be regaining his touch—he scored a powerful goal during a power play, and his overall energy seemed to improve during the matchup—his consistency is still in question. Matthews led the team in ice time and showcased a glimpse of his past self, but it’s clear that his performance will be crucial to the Leafs’ success.
The Leafs’ third line, consisting of Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, and Easton Cowan, provided some much-needed spark, with Joshua scoring his first goal for the team. They executed their game plan effectively, helping the team with their physical play and establishing offensive pressure, although the second line’s lack of production when Matthews and Nylander were off the ice poses a concern moving forward.
On the negative side, defenseman Morgan Rielly missed the game due to an undisclosed injury, and there are doubts about his status for the next matchup. The team also showcased two new defensemen, Philippe Myers and Dakota Mermis, who struggled in their debut, further highlighting the defensive vulnerabilities.
Despite these challenges, there remains potential for the Maple Leafs to turn their season around. With a quick turnaround game on the horizon, they have the opportunity to address their shortcomings and build on moments of resilience displayed against the Sabres.