The Toronto Maple Leafs put forth their worst performance of the season Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, losing 3-0 to close out the home stand. Toronto’s collective effort-level was rightfully questioned after the game and Maple Leafs forward John Tavares didn’t shy away from the disappointment.
Tavares spoke to reporters following Tuesday’s game and didn’t hold back in his self-assessment.
“We just got really away from our game,” Tavares said post-game. “I think they clearly had some legs early, our legs weren’t great. We didn’t manage the game very well, kind of stick with it. We just got away from what was bringing us success. Disjointed, we weren’t really able to build any momentum throughout the night.
“We should be disappointed. We can say we can wash this one, but I think it’s disappointing. The way we’ve been playing over this past week. A good chance to carry it over after a couple of days, a good work day yesterday. Divisional opponent. I think good for us, we can get right back to it tomorrow but tonight it’s obviously disappointing.”
The Senators scored under a minute into the game as William Nylander turned the puck over at Ottawa’s blueline, and Senators’forward Josh Norris snapped one past Maple Leafs starter Anthony Stolarz, 41 seconds into the game, and the Maple Leafs could never recover.
Tavares was quick to point out that poor starts are bound to happen throughout the regular season, but the team must remain focused on attention to details.
“Well, I mean, it’s 82 games, sometimes a team scores early, and you know it’s how you respond. I thought we’ve done a pretty good job on the season staying with our game, building momentum, finding ways to turn the tide and carry the play. Like I said, start to get some rhythm and connect shift-to-shift, but it wasn’t even close to that tonight”
Tavares found himself in between Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies against the Senators, as Berube shuffled up the deck, demoting Max Domi during the game. Berube tried to create a spark for the Maple Leafs offence, but unfortunately the effort level wasn’t where it needed to be.
“We got outskated. They wanted it more than us, that’s the bottom line.”
It’s a quick turnaround for Berube, Tavares and company, as the Maple Leafs are right back at it on Wednesday. Toronto finishing up the second half of their back-to-back, making a visit to the 10-4-0 Washington Capitals.
