"We were too cute at times": HC Craig Berube addresses Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-5 OT loss in preseason opener

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Sep 23, 2024 04:38 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs began their preseason with a 6-5 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators. Coach Craig Berube acknowledged the team’s sluggish start and pointed out areas for improvement.

“In the first period, we came out and were slow,” Berube said (via mapleleafshotstove.com). "We didn’t move the puck quick enough. That is why we ended up with two shots on net in the first period. We didn’t want to shoot a lot of the time. We were too cute at times.”

He also noted that while there were improvements later in the game, the team still had a lot to work on during training camp.

"We got better at times, but overall, it is training camp. We have to work on things and clean things up. We have to clean up our puck play and clean up our directness with how we want to play," he added.

The Senators took an early lead when Jan Jenik scored at 6:10 of the first period. The Leafs struggled to create offense in the first frame but tied the game in the second period with a goal from Matthew Knies. Ottawa quickly responded with Cole Reinhardt and Adam Gaudette scoring back-to-back goals, giving the Senators a 3-1 lead.

Toronto's offense came alive in the third period. Max Pacioretty scored twice, and Auston Matthews added another, making it 4-3 for the Leafs. Ottawa quickly responded, with Donovan Sebrango tying the game seconds later. Reinhardt then scored his second goal to give the Senators the lead again. With under a minute left, William Nylander scored to send the game into overtime.

In the extra period, Carter Yakemchuk scored the game-winning goal for the Senators, going end-to-end for a highlight-reel finish. The Toronto Maple Leafs will play the Senators again in their next game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to improve before their next preseason game

The Toronto Maple Leafs' preseason opener loss to the Ottawa Senator showed serious issues with Toronto's defense. Despite having more shots (37-34), the Maple Leafs' defense seemed out of sync. Ottawa used a mostly AHL roster but controlled play for most of the first two periods. The Senators found gaps in Toronto's defense, leading to multiple scoring chances.

On a brighter note, the Maple Leafs' power play looked good. They scored once on three attempts and got 10 shots. However, their lack of defensive structure is a concern.