Toronto - March 17, 2015 - Monday night the Leafs fell the Oilers 4-1. It was an ugly game that saw Jonathan Bernier pulled after allowing 3 goals on 4 shots. Coach Peter Horachek said in his post game interview that there was nothing Bernier could do about the goals, but a change had to be made. All in all this is one of the worst losses of the season for the Leafs, plagued yet again by an awful start. I can’t imagine a team being worse in the first 10 minutes of a game this season then the Leafs. For the tenth time this season the Leafs allowed a goal within the first 60 seconds of a game.
The Leafs only goal was scored by James van Riemsdyk as he tipped a Dion Phaneuf point shot past Ben Scrivens. Apart from the lone goal, the only noteworthy occurrence for Toronto was Kadri’s elbow hitting Matt Fraser’s head in the third period. The hit will most likely result in Kadri watching a game or two from the press box. In his defence he did immediately stop playing and check on Fraser’s condition as he lay on the ice, though it does not excuse the hit.
There’s nothing really to analyze with this game. Not that hasn’t already been analyzed to death. This storyline is as familiar as an episode of “Friends” or “Seinfeld” that we’ve all seen more times than we care to admit. The Leafs came out asleep, got run over by their opponents in the first period and were unable to undo the damage they’d already incurred. I could refer you to at least a dozen other post game articles on this site with the same narrative. The Leafs’ are just not a good team.
My only hope at this point is that Peter Horachek gets hired as a Head Coach somewhere else in the league because he thoroughly deserves it. He’s coaching his butt off and it’s being wasted on this group of players trying to figure out where they can find the best fishing and golf this offseason.
The Leafs next game is Thursday night in Toronto against the San Jose Sharks. Perhaps for a change of pace the Leafs will start that game when the Sharks do, instead of at the first intermission.
Follow me on twitter @RobMcPhee, for more Leafs talk and analysis.
Rob was born in Toronto's East end and has been a Maple Leaf fan his entire life. He is currently a student at York University in Toronto and is studying writing. He has always loved the blues and sports of all kind. If you have any questions, feel free to contact him at rmcphee@hometownhockey.ca
