'Lots of iron': Maple Leafs' loss to Senators not all puck luck
The Toronto Maple Leafs are analyzing their recent narrow losses to divisional rivals, attributing the results to bad luck with posts and crossbars. Despite the frustration, the team remains optimistic about their offensive progress and power play performance.
Why it matters
Professional sports analysis provides insight into team dynamics and the competitive nature of the NHL's Atlantic Division.
That was the theme inside the Toronto Maple Leafs ’ dressing room after they blew another lead to another divisional rival and suffered a second one-goal regulation loss in their opening week after being very much in the contest.
“I don’t want to make excuses, but somebody said we had six or seven posts or crossbars. Lots of iron,” said head coach Jim Hiller, reluctant to be overly critical after Saturday’s 2-1 lead dissolved into a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
Margins for success are expected to be thin in an Atlantic Division that features a five-alarm blaze in Detroit (is it too late to trade Matthew Knies for Simon Edvinsson, the latest Red Wing talent who wants out?) and seven organizations that have every intention of making playoffs.
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