Game Review: Maple Leafs pull awful effort out of the fire with big third-period comeback over Pittsburgh

"There are many stories emerging early in this Maple Leafs season, but one of the main ones is that they haven't been able to string good games together consecutively. It goes without saying that good teams string good games together; that's how they make the playoffs. Following a solid outing in Philadelphia, the Leafs returned home and looked like they were in the midst of laying an absolute dud... until they flipped the switch in the third period"

"Just over 13 minutes into the period, the Leafs were looking to push the Penguins off an icing and sent out the Tavares line against a tired Pittsburgh unit. They were in full possession when Simon Benoit decided he would try to attack with the puck and beat a forward wide like he's Cale Makar. It didn't work out, resulting in a turnover that the Pens immediately transitioned up ice and buried on an odd-man rush."

"The first goal against was the " Leafs defenseman gives it away" goal against that's happened all season, and the second goal against was the "Leafs can't get it out and eventually pay the price" goal against. The goal itself was a bit ridiculous, as a shot deflected up in the air, Morgan Rielly (for some reason) raised his stick up and got a piece of the puck, and after the Penguins crashed the crease, it found its way in."

Early-season consistency remains a problem for the Maple Leafs, who cannot string consecutive strong performances. After a solid outing in Philadelphia, the Leafs started sluggishly at home but produced a late third-period rally to secure a regulation win. The opening period produced a few chances from a give-and-go between Dakota Joshua and Bobby McMann and a rebound to Nick Robertson that went unconverted. Just over 13 minutes in, Simon Benoit's ill-advised offensive attempt resulted in a turnover and an odd-man rush goal for Pittsburgh. The first goal stemmed from a defensive giveaway, and the second came from a deflection after Morgan Rielly inadvertently touched the puck.

Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove