The Maple Leafs are losing their way on Bay.
After Saturday night3;s 4-2 Ottawa Senators victory, Toronto had dropped five of its past seven games at Scotiabank Arena, marking three consecutive losses at home for just the second time under new coach Craig Berube. Since December 21, the Leafs have struggled with a record of 6-9-1 at SBA. "It3;s been a couple of months, you3;ll have to remind me," defenceman Jake McCabe said before the game. "But through the course of the year, our record is pretty good at home (20-12-1 before the Senators game)." During this tough stretch, the Leafs faced the Senators as part of four games at home, with the hope of re-establishing their home advantage.
Prior to the game, Berube spoke candidly about the challenges his team has faced, particularly mentioning their inability to secure wins in conservative-style games. "For quite some time this year, we played in low-event games and came out on top. That3;s got to be our recipe," he noted. Even as the players grappled with their identity on the ice, forward Matthew Knies emphasized the importance of getting stable at home. "It3;s important because the division is very tight and every point matters," Knies remarked.
The Ottawa Senators, on the other hand, find themselves enjoying the thrill of possibly making the playoffs for the first time in eight years, fueled by two victories against the Leafs prior to this game. “It’s Christmas in March for us,” said center Shane Pinto. "Been a long time since we’ve had meaningful games at this time of year, and we’re embracing it." This perspective captures the mood within their locker room, where defenceman Thomas Chabot described the atmosphere as "very hungry" for success.
Knies couldn’t dismiss coach Berube’s earlier remarks about the disappointing output from their power play. The Leafs didn’t get a significant opportunity until the final five minutes of the game on Saturday. "If we miss the net, it’s going down the other way and we can’t really have it," Knies explained. It highlights the urgency for Toronto to sharpen their shots if they hope to compete effectively.
Meanwhile, off the NHL ice, the Toronto Marlies pulled off their own success with a 3-1 win against the Charlotte Checkers. Held at Scotiabank Arena with about 8,100 fans present, the Marlies demonstrated resilience with goalie Dennis Hildeby stopping 21 shots. With this victory, the Marlies currently boast a record of 31-17-3-6, sitting third place within their division as they eye the final 15 games of their regular season.
Kevin McGran’s upcoming publication, "Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey," set for release on September 30, adds another layer of interest for Leafs fans. Also noteworthy, John Tavares played his 1,168th game on Saturday, surpassing Chris Pronger on the NHL ledger. His participation alone speaks volumes of experience on this current roster amid fluctuated results.
Through the eyes of fans and players alike, the rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Senators remains palpable, with each game bringing its own significance. With this latest matchup resulting in another setback for the Leafs, their quest for consistency and playoffs is now intertwined with how they regroup for the remainder of the season.
The combination of youthful enthusiasm from the Senators and the historical intensity of this rivalry ensures the drama will continue for fans and stakeholders throughout the league.