Leafs Postgame: Ole Away No Way

Photo Credit: Eric Bolte/USA TODAY SPORTS

A hard fought battle with an unfortunate end result. Quite frankly, this feels like a recording. The Toronto Maple Leafs, now eight games into their season, have already lost their sixth, but played extremely well against the Montreal Canadiens; ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 final score.

This was a pretty low scoring affair, thanks to stellar performances from Carey Price and Frederik Andersen. The game’s first goal came six minutes into the second period, as a brilliant pass from Alexander Radulov made it onto the tape of Alex Galchenyuk, who was in prime scoring space without a ton of coverage.

The Leafs responded early in the third period; making the most of a powerplay opportunity with a play that saw William Nylander fire a hard pass onto Nazem Kadri’s stick, while the veteran redirected past Price. But while the man advantage can giveth sometimes, it can also taketh away; as Connor Carrick sat in the penalty box later in the period, Shea Weber unloaded his trademark Cannon into the top right shelf.

The Leafs did their best to grab an equalizer along the way, coming extremely close in the closing moments but were ultimately unsuccessful, and move to 2-3-3 on the season.

The chart is mostly a mirage. The Leafs lost because Montreal’s big names vets all stood up for a moment. Alexander Radulov had a sick pass to Alex Galchenyuk that wasn’t really something you could place massive blame on anybody for not having. Shea Weber’s game-winner was about eighty billion miles per hour and I’m not convinced that any goalie would’ve stood a chance. Other than Carey Price, that is, who looked very best-in-the-worldy tonight.The Leafs controlled this game, but the Habs got the brilliant flashes in higher concentrates.

Another huge night for the Super Swede. Constantly in the action, one of Toronto’s best possession players, and he had the primary assist on the lone goal. Plus, just watch that play there again, and again, and again. I still can’t process how he walked out to make a pass in a 1-on-5 situation like that.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Leafs. They’re heading straight from Montreal to Brooklyn for an early evening matchup against the New York Islanders. Personally, I’m excited to see Auston Matthews and John Tavares take each other on for the first time. Puck drop for this one is at 6:00 PM. See you then!