Ice Hockey

Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 4-1 Loss to the Canucks

March 5, 2023

Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 4-1 Loss to the Canucks NHL Trade Talk.

Hats off to the Vancouver Canucks. They delivered a 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. The tipping point was the third period when the Canucks got two short-handed goals from stars Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller only 44 seconds apart. Until then the Maple Leafs were in the game despite Thatcher Demko’s strong game in the Canucks’ crease.

The Canucks also got goals from Andrei Kuzmenko and Nils Arman, while Brock Boeser added two assists. But perhaps the Canucks biggest star was goalie Thatcher Demko. He limited the Maple Leafs to a single goal by John Tavares and stopped everyone else 36 times.

In this edition of Maple Leafs’ game takeaways, I’ll look at the key players for Toronto in this game.

Takeaway One: Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs Got Lucky

Auston Matthews left Saturday’s game late in the first period after taking a slap shot off the inside of his right knee. The shot hit him where he had no pads; and, for a few minutes, he was unable to stand. When he did leave the ice, he did so without the help of the trainer, which was good news.

Even better news was that he was able to return six minutes into the second period. He continued to play. Although it’s good to see him back on the ice, I wonder if he might need some time to recover. He should be carrying a nasty bruise for a while, even if he’s able to continue to play.

Takeaway Two: Matt Murray Makes Tremendous Shots in Loss

After being out since January 17 due to an ankle injury, Matt Murray returned to the Toronto net last night against the Canucks. He made 20 saves on the night, but the two third-period short-handed goals within less than 30 seconds did him in.

It was a tough loss; however, Murray made some impressive saves during the game. In an odd way, his showing was impressive. He looked (mostly) good, but the Canucks still won.

Murray’s health might become a crucial factor in the success of the team during season. It’s likely that the Maple Leafs will need both Murray and Ilya Samsonov. At least that would be the best scenario for a team if they are getting ready to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Takeaway Three: How Much Do the Maple Leafs (Already) Miss Ryan O’Reilly?

One blocked-shot injury to Auston Matthews was enough, but then the team lost newcomer Ryan O’Reilly for the third period of Saturday night’s game. The issue? He also blocked a shot with his hand late during the second period. There was no update from head coach Sheldon Keefe after the game. It’s probably too early to tell.

Perhaps the earliest update about O’Reilly’s status will be after practice on Monday. Should he have to miss any time, it will be a big loss to the team. Although he’s only played a handful of games with his new team, the team is coming to depend on him to carry a ton of responsibility.

In fact, coincidence or not, the team struggled when he was out last night. As noted, they allowed three goals in the third period.

Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 4-1 Loss to the Canucks NHL Trade Talk.