Leafs In A Tight Spot With Game 2 Loss

After playing one of their best games of the playoffs last night in which they were able to generate constant offensive chances, the Leafs left the ice experiencing the same feelings that the Senators undoubtedly were feeling in the first round. It seemed like whatever the Maple Leafs tossed at Robert Esche was not good enough as they could only net one goal on a great deflection by Tie Domi. The Leafs outshot an opponent for the first time this playoff season but ended up losing the game by a score of 2-1.

The Leafs now sit in a bit of a predicament down two games in their best of seven series. Coming home for the next two games, the Leafs will need to win both games in order to have a chance of advancing past the Philadelphia Flyers. Having played one of their best games of the postseason, hopefully the Maple Leafs will be able to build upon what they were able to accomplish last night throwing some quality shots on the net that only resulted in better saves from Esche.

Mats Sundin made his return to the lineup and played fairly well despite looking noticeably slower than normal. Sundin, though not at full strength, gave the Leafs a good boost offensively helping to create some chances with his strength down low. The Leafs really struggled last night on the power play failing to score when given opportunities at key times in the game. An improved power play is one aspect the Leafs must improve if they hope to come back against the Flyers.

The Leafs will now have two days off before game three on Wednesday, hopefully allowing enough time for Joe Nieuwendyk to recuperate and return to the lineup.