3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-5 OT loss in first preseason game vs Senators

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Sep 23, 2024 02:27 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped their first preseason game 6-5 in OT against the Ottawa Senators. Carter Yakemchuk got the winner for Ottawa at 2:37 of OT.

Jan Jenik, Cole Reinhardt, Adam Gaudette, and Donovan Sebrango had the other goals for the Senators.

Meanwhile, Max Pacioretty led the way for the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring two goals. Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews and William Nylander added the other goals for Toronto.

With both teams’ first preseason game in the books, it’s worth taking a look at the three major takeaways.

3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' first preseason game

#3. The Senators outworked the Leafs

Despite the shot count being 37-34 in favor of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Senators outworked the Leafs. The Sens iced virtually an AHL version on its roster, while the Leafs had several regulars including Matthews, Mitch Marner, Nylander, and John Tavares.

However, the Sens controlled the play for much of the first two periods. While the Sens could not hold on to the lead in the third, the Toronto Maple Leafs made their typical defensive miscues leading to plenty of scoring opportunities for Ottawa.

#2. The power play looked good for Toronto

The Leafs’ power play went 1-for-3, with Matthews getting his first preseason goal with the man advantage. In total, the Leafs landed 10 power play shots, keeping the Sens on edge the entire time.

Overall, the Leafs' top unit looks as solid as ever. But it was the second unit that showed some promise, moving the puck well in the limited time it was on the ice.

As for the Sens’ penalty kill, it was able to anticipate the majority of the Leafs’ movements, keeping most of the shots from less-than-dangerous spots.

#1. The Leafs lacked defensive structure

Giving up six goals to a largely AHL group of players is not a good look for the Leafs’ defense. The Leafs' defensive units lacked structure and often failed to check aggressively. As a result, the Senators were able to use speed in gaining the zone, burning Leafs defenders.

Perhaps the best example was the OT winner in which a defenseman burned Morgan Rielly essentially on a one-on-one play, then deking Matt Murray for the game-winner.

Ultimately, the Leafs' revamped defense did not pass the eye test in this game. While it could be argued that it was the team’s first preseason game, giving up six goals on 34 shots was far from the expected outcome.

This game should have been a blowout in favor of the Leafs. Instead, the team will have to answer questions before its next preseason tilt.