Knee Jerk Reaction: A blown third period lead is becoming the norm for Maple Leafs
There were bright spots. The Maple Leafs pinning the Blackhawks in the own end and Morgan Rielly putting on an offensive zone clinic and ultimately finding the back of the net looked like it could be a shift that changed the confidence level of the Leafs locker room. The Leafs even had a coach’s challenge break their way which seemed like another strong sign that their luck would change. And Joseph Woll came ready to play, just like they needed him to.
The Leafs also responded well after the Blackhawks game opening goal and overpowered the Hawks until Nick Robertson finally tied the game.
Of course, it’s the Leafs and there is a lot to talk about on the negative side of things lately and losing to another 2024-25 lottery team isn’t a great look.
Chicago’s goal from Ryan Greene came after Max Domi’s line was pinned in their own zone for over a minute and the result seemed inevitable as soon as the HNIC offensive possession time tracker popped up on the screen. While options are limited with Auston Matthews and Scott Laughton out, Domi’s defensive zone play is sinking the Leafs.
The Leafs also started the game going six minutes without a shot. They eventually got back into a fairly even shot differential with the Blackhawks but a slow start on a Saturday night was a noteworthy blunder for a team that is trying to get back on track.
The Leafs blowing a lead in the third period seems on brand lately, and while there was a strong stretch of the game that Leafs were the dominant team, the inability to see things through to end might be the only consistent thing about the club.
