Leafs Postgame: Well, That Was Ugly

In the pregame post earlier today, I complained that every time I count the Toronto Maple Leafs out, they seem to pull out a win. So, I called it the other way. I predicted the Leafs would handily beat the San Jose Sharks by a score of 5-1, and that Tyler Bozak would score two goals.

Never. Ever. Listen to me.

The Sharks made quick work of the Leafs tonight, taking advantage of a completely brain-dead Toronto team that could neither score a goal or prevent one from being scored on them. San Jose gets the 7-0 shutout win, and I feel great embarrassment and will never write another pregame post again.

You know, it wasn’t a half-bad start for the Maple Leafs. In the first period, Toronto had a number of quality chances turned aside by a tuned-in Martin Jones. Heading into the intermission, they were actually outshooting the Sharks 12-7. 

But then in during the break, Toronto forgot how to play hockey. Like, they could still skate, and they could still hold a stick, but they didn’t really know what to do exactly. They let San Jose players skate around them with ease. They left the ice while the play was still live. They were so distracted, that Daniel Winnik just completely stopped worrying about hockey when he discovered Joe Thorton’s facial hair.

The Sharks would take the opportunity to pile up goals, and I have to say, I can’t even put the blame on Bernier. Hung out to dry on pretty much every play, it’s tough to pin any of it on the beleaguered netminder.

Final score?

I don’t know if they were tired or if they’d gotten too much sun or if they just aren’t used to afternoon games, but you can quite clearly see that at the halfway point of the game the Leafs simply dropped off the face of the earth.

Only one Leaf looked good tonight, and that was Martin Marincin. The way he sat in the press box, presumably in a nice suit, and watched the game… Wow. Underrated skills, right there. Good for you Martin.

Toronto will head home and get ready for a date with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night. And for the love of God, if you can’t handle the Columbus Blue Jackets on three days of rest…