Be sure to like HockeyBuzz on facebook!
For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter

*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.
*******


CHECK OUT RUSS COHEN’S NHLDRAFTBUZZ.COM FOR INFO ON PROSPECTS AND NEWS IN THE HOCKEY WORLD

NHL coaches do not want to admit that there are things as “schedule losses”, because they want their clubs to get over those kinds of hurdles and fight for every point, when making the playoffs or finishing in first place could depend on it. The Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets would seem to be one where the Leafs have the advantage, but after a hard-fought victory over Atlantic rival Tampa Bay on Monday, Toronto’s squad seemed gassed and unenergetic for most of the contest.

"I didn’t feel like we skated very well tonight. They skated through us all night. We didn’t win many puck battles tonight, (we) didn’t defend very well tonight and that’s what you get.” Leafs head coach Craig Berube said after the game. “(The schedule), that’s an excuse, though, isn’t it, so I’m not going there."

Toronto’s third loss in seven games is hardly a reason for panic or concern, but when you consider that two of the three losses were to Montreal Canadiens and Columbus (clubs that have been predicted to final in last in their respective divisions), it brings up the age-old concern of the Leafs not being able to bank points against lesser opponents, something that top-echelon teams due with more regularity.

Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson scored for Toronto after Columbus had bolted out to a 5-0 lead by the middle of the second period. Dennis Hildeby was not as sharp as his first NHL start in New Jersey earlier in the month, but the rookie faced 38 shots in the second of back-to-back games.

The most concerning news for the club is the status of veteran Max Pacioretty. The winger did not return for the third period due to what the team revealed was a lower-body injury. Berube after the game indicated that he did not have an update on the injury. The 35-year-old won a job at training camp and has two goals in limited play this season after coming back from a pair of Achilles injuries.

*******




Please Subscribe to the Leafs Convo page on YouTube





Please Subscribe to the Off The Post page on You Tube

Join the Discussion: » 133 Comments » Post New Comment

» Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

» Podcast Sunday – Off The Post Radio

» A Bevy Of Back-To-Backs; Leafs vs. Blues

» What Moves Are The Leafs Poised To Make?

» Toronto Ships Liljegren To San Jose; Leafs vs. Kraken