"In the 4-0 loss to a team that is also still out of the playoffs and trying to worm their way back up the standings, the Leafs were completely flat and lifeless. Nothing going on in either end of the ice for them, and because of it, Auston Matthews had to speak up and was highly critical of the team for letting a team like the Capitals just run all over them."
"This poor play by the Leafs not only cost them in real goals, but the Capitals controlled the game. At 5-on-5, Washington had a 50-30 advantage in shot attempts, a 40-23 advantage in unblocked shot attempts, a 22-16 advantage in shots on goal, and 64.85% of the expected goals share, according to Natural Stat Trick. It wasn't just a couple misplays but the whole game went the Capitals' way and it really is the Leafs' poor defensive play that caused a whole lot of this."
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost 4-0 to the Washington Capitals after producing flat, lifeless play in both ends of the ice. Criticism focused on allowing Washington easy access through the neutral zone, failing to break up plays, and not using speed to pressure opponents. Washington controlled 5-on-5 play with large advantages in shot attempts, unblocked shot attempts, shots on goal, and an expected goals share of 64.85%. The defeat stemmed from collective defensive breakdowns and lack of effort, raising questions about whether the performance will trigger meaningful change.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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