Absurd leaps and unexpected sharpshooters. A disastrous start to the Maple Leafs’ post-Sweden schedule against the Blackhawks
In the game on Friday afternoon in Chicago, Jason Dickinson of the Blackhawks defeated Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov three times.
McDermott, Patrick / Getty Images
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The Maple Leafs’ opening performance of their two-game road trip in Chicago on Friday had both positive and negative aspects.
and Mitch Marner suffered a 4-3 overtime loss to the Blackhawks, possibly their worst performance of the year. The 17-game point streak for William Nylander ended. Additionally, they committed brain-cramp turnovers that bizarrely put goalie Ilya Samsonov behind the net.
However, the third line came to life, with goals from Nick Robertson and Calle Järnkrok, and, miracle of miracles, Ryan Reaves scored his first goal as a Leaf after being a healthy scratch for three games.
Ultimately, the Leafs, who have already lost twice this season to the lowly Blackhawks, lived up to their reputation of playing to the level of the opposition and suffered their first loss in five games. However, they have also won five in a row (4-0-1).
“They were quite shrewd; they took advantage of opportunities when necessary,” commented Leafs forward Max Domi, who also had two assists. “We definitely accomplished some good things, but we also recognize that there are some things that need to be cleaned up. We play again on Saturday, which is the best part of this game. Make sure to swipe that one and get ready for Pittsburgh’s big test.
The answer may be as easy as that. The Leafs, who are playing for the first time since defeating the Minnesota Wild in Sweden on Sunday, will play an afternoon game at Chicago’s United Center before traveling to Pittsburgh, where former general manager Kyle Dubas of the Leafs now manages the Penguins, for an evening game.
Veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly stated, “I don’t know if there’s anything special about it.” “I think (Dubas) did a great job when he was in Toronto, but I definitely admire him and like the way he works.”
Now that Brad Treliving is the general manager, Rielly is also content with the new group.
It’s a business matter, Rielly explained. You move on, and you never know when you might run into each other again. However, he is primarily concerned about his current situation, and our group is concerned about our actions. Thus, we make an effort to maintain our focus.
Disoriented in Chicago
The Leafs drifted apart. They were leading 3-1 into the second half and controlling possession time, shots, and high-danger opportunities. They had Samsonov covered. Additionally, they had goals from the fourth and third lines.
“We didn’t capitalize on our opportunities early enough,” coach Sheldon Keefe said. “We missed opportunities to score in the first few minutes of the game when we probably could have had two or three. Here, we didn’t make many sacrifices today. We’ve given up some of the fewest scoring opportunities this season. However, they scored three goals, all of which involved the puck entering our net after being on our sticks in our end. They now find it easier as a result.
For as long as Matthews and Marner have been good, it was strange to watch them struggle. Not overly concerned, Keefe said, “It wasn’t their night.”
Despite not having played in a week, Samsonov was more of a worry because the Leafs were so dominant in the first period that he didn’t get many opportunities.
Jason Dickinson of Chicago scored his first hat-trick of the season. The goalie played too deep in the net on two of the goals that beat Samsonov on the short side. For the third, where Jake McCabe misdirected a pass to Matthews with Dickinson in close proximity, he is pardoned.
Subsequently, Kevin Korchinski, a defenseman for the Blackhawks, tapped in the overtime winner after a puck caromed off the back glass and fell behind Samsonov. The netminder was still clueless about how it went in after the game.
The best of Reaves Reaves had his best game as a Leaf, deflecting a shot from McCabe for his first goal of the season and going briefly plus-one. Between periods, he told TSN that the goal took a big load off his shoulders and that all the minuses had consumed his confidence. “The puck went behind me,” Samsonov said. “I’m just trying to see the puck. Maybe the puck touched me, maybe a rebound. But it doesn’t matter how he scored.”
“He’s the one,” Domi exclaimed. It’s clear that he has experienced some hardship, but he handled it like a true pro. A fantastic partner, both on and off the rink, ten out of ten. That is the situation.
Huge objective for our team. The team was ecstatic. He’s a key member of this team, so I’m very happy for him.
Reaves erased that plus-one when he was on the ice for Dickinson’s second goal.
