Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews pointed out the key reason for Toronto’s struggles this year, and it involves their lack of ability to keep the puck on their stick.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had to feel good coming out of the Olympic break, not only because he skated away with a gold medal but the fact that he can now solidify himself as a winner and changed people’s perception of the type of leader he is.
But after the break, that high has hit an immediate low with a two-game losing streak. As the team gets closer and closer to the deadline, they are looking more like sellers by the day, and their struggles extend beyond one or two simple flaws.
The team isn’t playing near the level expected of them, and Matthews did his best to try and nail down exactly why the team is failing this year.
Auston Matthews tries to nail core issues in Maple Leafs lineup
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Maple Leafs’ game vs. Ottawa on Saturday, Matthews was asked about what needs to change for the team and what can be done to turn things around.
The captain was blunt in acknowledging he doesn’t have the perfect answer, however did his best to tell everyone why the team has been so bad:
That’s a tough question to answer, to be honest. I think it’s execution. I think maybe we haven’t had the puck as much offensively this year, and with that happening, we’re kind of defending a little bit more.
Matthews also implored his team to get themselves ready for a must-win game vs. the Senators, and the focus needs to be on making sure they come away with a victory:
For us, we need to get our game back on track right away, and we don’t have time to waste. For us, it’s looking right ahead at what’s in front of us, which is a game against the Sens, divisional opponent, on Saturday.
So we need to be ready for that and I don’t think anybody should have a problem getting up for a game like that.
But are things as bad as Matthews suggests?
Toronto one of the worst teams in the entire NHL when keeping the puck
Couple that with a defensive group that is way too slow and lack awareness a lot of the time, get lazy with clearances, and really miss the leadership and direction of Chris Tanev — they are in a horrible position.
Then you look at NHL EDGE statistics where they sit 29th in the NHL in defensive zone time, and 31st in offensive zone time. They get stuck in their own zone, then when they get it cleared, can’t keep it for more than a few seconds before having to defend again.
How can you expect them to succeed when over 60% of their time is spent either in the defensive or neutral zone? That’s a team who is anemic on offense and can’t play in their own end. It’s a recipe for disaster.
It’s time for the Maple Leafs to start playing a bit smarter and with a little more urgency because if not, then those who are on the current roster might not be around come March 7th.
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Auston Matthews identifies Maple Leafs’ core issue as Toronto looks for an immediate reset
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