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3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' 2-1 preseason loss vs Ottawa Senators

Modified Sep 25, 2024 03:29 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs (0-2) dropped their second straight preseason contest against the Ottawa Senators (2-0) on Tuesday night, losing 2-1 this time at Canadian Tire Centre.

Zack Ostapchuk got a late shorthanded goal in the third period to lift the Sens over the Maple Leafs in an evenly matched contest. Jake Sanderson got the other tally for Ottawa. Meanwhile, Alex Steeves opened the scoring for Toronto, marking his first of the preseason.

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Here’s a closer look at three major takeaways from the Toronto Maple Leafs loss on Tuesday night.

3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' preseason loss vs Ottawa Senators

#3. The game was evenly matched

Unlike the previous game in which the Senators outplayed and outworked the Leafs, Toronto came out with a much more cohesive effort. The Maple Leafs displayed far more physicality, finishing checks and holding the defensive zone much more effectively.

However, a bad turnover during a power play allowed Ostapchuk to strip the Toronto defender of the puck, quickly beating netminder Dennis Hildeby for the game-winner.

Except for that costly mistake, the Leafs played a solid 200-foot game against most of the Sens’ regulars including captain Brady Tkachuk.

#2. Anthony Stolarz looked good in the crease

Anthony Stolarz made 15 saves in 30 minutes of ice time against the Sens. He looked sharp, often making a couple of tough saves. The Sanderson goal came following a Sens power play in which a broken play led to Sanderson being alone in the slot.

With plenty of time to corral the puck, Sanderson made no mistake in burying the puck home for his first preseason goal.

That goal cannot be chalked up as Stolarz’s fault, making his overall performance encouraging for Toronto. Given the Maple Leafs' improved play in front of him, Stolarz was able to keep Toronto in the game for a period and a half.

#1. Mental lapses again the cause for the Leafs' loss

Time and time again, mental lapses have been the cause of Toronto Maple Leafs losses. On Tuesday night, a lazy play by Nicolas Mattinen while retrieving the puck on the power play led to Ostapchuk stripping him of it.

During the play, it was evident that Mattinen hadn’t noticed Ostapchuk bearing down on him. As a result, Ostapchuk deflected the puck, getting a lucky bounce that led to a goal.

Such mental lapses cost the Leafs the game late in the third period. However, it’s those sorts of plays that coach Craib Berube will need to hammer out for Toronto to play a full 60 minutes of solid defensive play.

The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Montreal Canadiens (2-0) in their third preseason game at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.