Just when the Toronto Maple Leafs thought they had overcome a setback, they lost to one of the worst-ranked NHL teams from last season on home ice - and head coach Sheldon Keefe is not taking any prisoners.
The Leafs suffered a brutal 4-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes at the Scotiabank Arena, with the visitors picking up their first win of the new season. But this has become a common theme, as despite their form and league ranking, the Coyotes continue to haunt the Leafs when playing in Canada.
The Leafs boast a talented roster, with a stacked offensive line that should put up way more of a fight than what we are seeing on a regular basis. But Keefe is now prepared to call out any slackers this season, and took aim at his 'elite talent' after losing to the Coyotes.
"Our best people have not found a rhythm," Keefe said. "The difference between us and Arizona is that we have elite players. And our elite players didn’t play like elite players."
This pointed the blame at the likes of Auston Matthews and John Tavares, who have been unusually quiet so far this season. Both have only scored once in four games, and Mitch Marner picked up only his first of the season on Monday night.
The Leafs are 2-2, so it's not complete panic stations just yet. But considering the level of opponents they've faced, it could very well be a long year for the Leafs.
Of course, the Leafs trusty offence is yet to erupt, and when it inevitably does, they will surely be a play-off contender once again. But it feels like the same old story with the Leafs, a lack of belief and execution when it really matters.
Even captain Tavares gave a very muted response to the defeat, as he told reporters: "We’re disappointed. We didn’t play as well as we’re capable of. Not every night is going to be your best, and you got to find a way to get life into your game."
But it wasn't as if the Leafs were ever really in the game. They trailed 2-0, and left the ice to a crowd of boos. And the only time they ever gave it a go was in the final period, although their concentration once again dropped as they conceded two late goals to undo their rescue mission.
The Leafs will have the chance to redeem themselves on Thursday night, as they welcome fans back to the Scotiabank Arena with a clash against the Dallas Stars up next. And they'll want to put things right, as five games on the road then follow for the Leafs - who won't return to Toronto until November.
But they're facing a side in red hot form, as the Stars have blown teams away in their opening three matches. The Stars have scored 13 goals already this season, and have only allowed one goal per game so far.
