Rookies shine, but Andersen struggles again in Leafs’ loss to Isles

Another wild one involving the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This time in Brooklyn, eventually a 6-5 loss in overtime to the New York Islanders. And there's a lot to unpack, after Toronto's rookies again shined, but the club's poor defensive play and poor goaltending cost it a point.

Let's go point by point:

  • Toronto rookies scored all five goals on the night. In order: Nikita Soshnikov, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Zach Hyman, and William Nylander.
  • The last time four different Toronto rookies scored in a game: 1948.
  • The Islanders deserve some credit, erasing 2-1, 4-2, and 5-4 Maple Leafs leads, the latter with only 90 seconds left in the game.
  • Meanwhile, Toronto remains one of the worst teams with a lead. Any lead.
  • Maple Leafs rookies can't stop scoring, but Toronto's allowing goals in bushels right now. Monday's loss was Toronto's third in four games, and Mike Babcock's crew has allowed at least five goals in all of those contests.
  • Frederik Andersen's struggles continue. After posting back-to-back shutouts on Jan. 23 and 25, he's been absolutely lit up. He stopped five-of-eight shots against Dallas last Tuesday, before being pulled; he gave up five goals to the Blues on Thursday, and another five to the Bruins in a wild 6-5 Toronto win Saturday.
  • Andersen stopped 28-of-34 shots Monday, marking the fourth straight game he's ended with a save percentage below .880.
  • With games almost every other night the rest of the way, Toronto's got no choice but to give Andersen some rest, likely beginning Tuesday when Dallas visits the Air Canada Centre. Expect Curtis McElhinney to get the start.
  • Brock Nelson had two goals - including the OT winner - and an assist for New York, while Andrew Ladd scored his fourth goal in five games.

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