In the second back-to-back game, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell short to the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 on home ice. Despite looking good early, the blue and white slowly started to stale. As for the Blue Jackets, they began to catch fire and earned themselves the victory. The Maple Leafs will now focus on Wednesday night as they host the Chicago Blackhawks.
In the opening frame, it was the Maple Leafs who looked good early. Only 2:56 into the first period, Maple Leafs forward William Nylander scored his 29th goal of the year. The 26-year-old winger received a stretch pass from teammate Alexander Kerfoot, then took on Columbus defenseman Adam Blankenburg one-on-one, firing a wrister right through the screen on Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.
After the Maple Leafs got out to an early lead, the blue and white didn’t stop there. Coming in waves at Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, the Leafs finally got another. After leading the shot totals 5-2, Maple Leaf forward Mitch Marner picked the puck in the offensive zone teeing up Michael Bunting for a blast. The 27-year-old winger from Scarborough, Ontario, scored his 16th goal of the year at 10:40 in the opening period.
Once Maple Leaf forward Michael Bunting converted his opportunity, play started to level out a little more. The Maple Leafs kept the first period tight defensively, limiting Columbus to only four shots. With how the first period went, it looked like it would be a good night in Leaf land. However, despite taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, it all turned around.
In the second period, things got a little shaky, to say the least. Columbus center Boone Jenner got one back rather quickly for the Blue Jackets. Jenner’s 15th goal of the season came off a loose puck in the slot after an unlucky bounce on Maple Leafs forward Pierre Engvall. The Blue Jackets cut the Maple Leafs two-goal lead to 2-1 only 4:21 into the second period.
After Boone Jenner opened up the Blue Jackets offense, Columbus started to catch momentum. A few good opportunities for the Jackets were shut down by Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll. However, after a rare frustration penalty from William Nylander. It was all the Blue Jackets needed to take their momentum to the next level.
Blue Jackets rookie Kirill Marchenko tied the game at two with his 14th goal of the season. An excellent play by Blue Jackets Boone Jenner set up a glorious rebound opportunity for Marchenko, who made no mistake. The game was tied at two a piece with just under five minutes remaining in the second. With a huge save at the other end from Elvis Merzlikins, it’s clear from then on Columbus started to move with some extra rhythm.
Less than a minute later, the Columbus Blue Jackets came right back, this time scoring their third. Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly buried his 10th goal of the season after cashing in on a loose puck in the crease. It was certainly an odd goal that describes this night fairly well. A sloppy second frame cost the Leafs three unanswered going into the second intermission.
Once the final frame kicked off, it was clear the blue and white needed a quick start. This time providing it, veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly got on the board. Only 1:20 into the period, the 28-year-old finished a beautiful pass from Mitch Marner on a rare 4-on-3 power-play. The blue and white tied the game at three, finally getting fans at Scotiabank Arena back on their feet. After a sluggish second period, the Maple Leafs answered quickly.
After Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly added his 2nd goal of the year, the good vibes didn’t last long. Columbus Blue Jackets youngster Cole Sillinger fired a wrister on net that caught a piece of teammate Kent Johnson for the team’s fourth goal. Just before getting behind Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll, Cole’s high-rising shot seemed to catch Johnson’s stick. The play was reviewed and deemed a good goal. The 20-year-old forward scored his 11th goal of the season, eventually becoming the game-winner.
Despite putting in a better final effort than the second period, it just wasn’t enough for the Maple Leafs. The team looked too flat for most of the night, lacking that flare. It was a night you certainly felt the absence of Auston Matthews, but it’s no reason to panic. Does this loss sting? Without a doubt. However, it’s always difficult sweeping a team in a back-to-back regardless of standings. The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back on Wednesday as the Leafs host the Chicago Blackhawks.
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