Namely, make the faltering Maple Leafs look like world-beaters.
Indeed, the Leafs entered yesterday’s contest with the Pens at Scotiabank Arena having lost three straight by a combined score of 14-4.
No worries for embattled Toronto coach Craig Berube and his charges. Just send in our Pens to play the role of patsy.
Yesterday’s 6-3 loss to the Leafs was pretty much a continuation of what’s transpired since Evgeni Malkin and Blake Lizotte went on IR roughly three weeks ago.
Namely, disconnected, error-laden play, especially in the neutral and defensive zones but also at the opposing blue line, where giveaways by Kevin Hayes and Erik Karlsson led directly to breakaway goals against.