Not an ideal start to the road trip as the Leafs fall to the Sharks

Perhaps it was good that we were confronted with the fact that Jack Campbell is human, and not the surefire solution to whatever has been impacting Freddie Andersen this season. Although, I’m not sure how much a goaltender can be faulted when he faces 37 shots, and receives little offensive support against yet another goaltender who magical rediscovers his game against the Leafs.

The wheels began coming off for the Leafs in the second, despite the fact the Leafs pulled even in the score. Martin Jones was at his shakiest, but opportunities for the Leafs were none existent. The absenteeism continued into the 3rd, as well.

That’s not to say the game didn’t have it’s bright spots. Auston Matthews picked up his 46th on the season, Martin Marincin extended his point streak and Mitch Marner busted out of his goal scoring slump with this gem…

I think I still would have rather had the win.

Using Moneypuck’s Playoff Odds, the Leafs have dropped down from 90.2% to 85.6%, with Florida sitting at a 20% of getting in. So it’s not time to panic yet, and hopefully better fortune awaits with the Southern California games.

As for tonight, both the Leafs and Panthers have the night off, so need to scoreboard watch, unless you are treating the wild card race as the Leafs safety school, in which case the Columbus game against Calgary is one to keep an eye on as they are presently holding the final wild card spot and tied with the Leafs at 78 points, both having played 67 games.