The Toronto Maple Leafs are feeling the sting of a scoring drought beyond their Core Four, dropping consecutive games as their depth struggles to contribute offensively.
After a 3-1 loss to Washington on Friday, the Leafs fell 5-2 to Pittsburgh on Saturday, managing only three goals over the two nights. Coach Craig Berube voiced his concern:
“We need contributions from the bottom six. We’ve got to find ways to score.”
Despite strong performances from Mitch Marner (goal, assist), William Nylander (team-leading 17th goal), and Auston Matthews (two assists), Toronto’s Joseph Woll suffered his first loss in seven games.
“We played well and deserved more,” Woll said. “I wish I could have stopped one more.”
The Leafs’ undoing came in part from five penalties, including a decisive power-play goal by former Leaf Michael Bunting. Late-game execution also faltered, with two short-handed, empty-net goals sealing Pittsburgh’s victory.
Berube admitted disappointment in the team’s final moments:
“The six-on-four needs better execution. We competed but took too many penalties.”
Toronto’s November success gave way to bad habits, but Berube maintains confidence in the team’s standing and sees potential improvement as injured players return.
Pacioretty’s Return
Max Pacioretty rejoined the lineup after a 10-game absence, skating alongside Matthews and Marner. While energetic early, Pacioretty acknowledged fading as the game progressed.
“It wasn’t easy after so much time off. I’ll improve,” he said.
Pacioretty’s return may bolster secondary scoring, though he remains at just two goals this season.
“Our Core Four are elite scorers, but we all want to contribute,” Pacioretty added.
Lineup Changes and Notable Milestones
- Rookie Nikita Grebenkin sat to make room for Pacioretty.
- Alex Nylander returned after a two-game absence, while Nick Robertson was scratched.
- Jake McCabe (head) and Max Domi (lower body) could return for Tuesday’s game in New Jersey.
Nylander, Marner, and Matthews continue to make history, tying for the ninth-most combined goals by a Leafs forward trio. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby notched his 1,023rd assist, matching Gordie Howe’s record with a single franchise.
As the Leafs prepare for New Jersey, the spotlight remains on their need to balance scoring across the lineup while refining their execution in critical moments.
