Morale is reaching an all-time low for this iteration of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but head coach Craig Berube is still grasping for positives.

Toronto were completely outclassed in a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Ottawa outshot Toronto 43-14, completely controlling the play from the outset. Aside from a two-point night from rookie Easton Cowan, the Maple Leafs generated next to nothing offensively in an anemic effort.

Cowan was candid in his post-game assessment and said that Tim Stutzle’s power play goal, which opened the scoring, deflated his team. The 20-year-old was irate about the result and has been taking on larger responsibilities, as the Maple Leafs play out the final stretch.

“It’s tough. Every team goes through adversity. You just got to stick together, stay positive, and be a tight-knit group,” Cowan added post-game.

Berube was apparently befuddled by Cowan’s read of the contest.

“I don’t know why they’d be deflated after we gave up a power-play goal,” Berube said post-game. “We broke a stick, and we are trying to get a stick. They scored a goal, but big deal! We played a good first period. I don’t understand the thought process of not following up and not being ready to go in the second, knowing they’re going to push. We didn’t respond well enough. I don’t understand this “deflated” stuff, to be honest with you. It is a cop out.”

Berube appears to be grasping at straws, as the Maple Leafs are seemingly disconnected from his desired style of play. Following Friday’s loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Berube singled out goaltender Joseph Woll, stating that he needed to make a timely save. Woll was arguably Toronto’s best player in Friday’s game and shook off the criticism.

It was another embarrassing performance from the Maple Leafs, with Woll and Cowan as the two players exempt from criticism. Woll was thrust into action unexpectedly when Anthony Stolarz took a shot to the throat from William Nylander during warmup. Stolarz was released from hospital and re-joined the Maple Leafs following the game.

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