“We know we need to defend better, keep the puck out of our net,” said captain John Tavares. “We have to maintain leads, stay in control, but it’s inevitable goals will go in and mistakes will happen. It’s how we respond (that matters).”
KLINGBERG KAPUT
– and not solely because of recent on-ice struggles.
Keefe said after the morning optional skate that injuries have been a factor in a wonky start with the defenceman’s new team and the Calgary game presented an opportunity for recuperation. Klingberg did not take the skate, while Jake McCabe returned from a groin pull and took his place. Ryan Reaves, who was under consideration to be scratched in a seven-defencemen, 11-forward alignment, remained on the fourth line and was on for yet another goal, though not directly culpable. Reaves would finish minus 2 on the night.
The Leafs did play a bit tighter once the Flames wiped their lead out, but with the hot Vancouver Canucks here Saturday and well rested while Toronto dragged out its fate, a split will be difficult and Sheldon Keefe’s team is not out of the woods.
KLINGBERG KAPUT
John Klingberg was off the radar for the Leafs on Friday – and not solely because of recent on-ice struggles.
Keefe said after the morning optional skate that injuries have been a factor in a wonky start with the defenceman’s new team and the Calgary game presented an opportunity for recuperation. Klingberg did not take the skate, while Jake McCabe returned from a groin pull and took his place. Ryan Reaves, who was under consideration to be scratched in a seven-defencemen, 11-forward alignment, remained on the fourth line and was on for yet another goal, though not directly culpable. Reaves would finish minus 2 on the night.