Toronto Maple Leafs crisis comes to a head

Three games, three defeats: The Toronto Maple Leafs (27-24-9) came out of the Olympic break in disastrous fashion. On Sunday there was also nothing to be gained in the Battle of Ontario in the 2:5 against the Ottawa Senators (29-22-8).

Morgan Rielly (3rd) gave Toronto the lead, Thomas Chabot (11th) equalized. In the second third, Dylan Cozens (24th) and Drake Batherson (34th) increased for the guests. William Nylander (34th) shortened it, Batherson (36th) made it 4:2, Cozens (37th) scored the final score.

Cozens (2 goals, 1 assist) was the best scorer for the Senators, for whom Tim Stützle recorded 1 assist and now has a total of 63 points (28 goals, 35 assists).

Leafs goalie Joseph Woll (5 goals against, 23 saves) had to vacate his place between the posts during the second period, Anthony Stolarz (0 goals against, 12 saves) took over. Ottawa goalkeeper Linus Ullmark stopped 21 shots.

Auston Matthews finds clear words

Toronto is now eight points behind the final wild card spot in the East and is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. “The ship is sinking,” wrote Sportsnet.

“It was just a bad performance, quite embarrassing to be honest,” Toronto’s captain Auston Matthews said clearly: “We still can’t hang our heads or feel sorry for ourselves. Everyone has to question themselves and become better.”

Toronto continues on Tuesday with a home game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Meanwhile, Ottawa celebrated its first win in the second game after the Olympic break and is five points behind the last wildcard spot in the East. The Senators visit the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

NHL: The games of the day