3 least impressive Toronto Maple Leafs players from 4-2 loss to Washington Capitals ft. Oliver Ekman-Larsson

The Toronto Maple Leafs blew a 2-0 lead on Friday night against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. The Leafs took a 2-1 lead into the third period, but couldn’t hold on. The Caps rallied to take the lead late in the period and went on to get a 4-2 victory.

Morgan Rielly and Matthew Knies scored for the Toronto Maple Leafs to take a 2-0 lead midway through the second period. But then, Connor McMichael scored to draw the Capitals to within one. Anthony Beauvillier tied the game in the third, with Jakob Chychrun scoring the game-winner at the 16:04 mark. Tom Wilson added an empty-net to ice the victory.

The Capitals outplayed and outshot the Maple Leafs 34-18 on the night. The game would have been a lopsided one if not for Joseph Woll having another brilliant outing.

So, let’s take a look at the three least impressive Toronto Maple Leafs players from their loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday night.

3 least impressive Toronto Maple Leafs players from loss to Washington Capitals

#3 Bobby McMann

The Maple Leafs forward has been sliding up and down the lineup. Unfortunately, he’s been unable to replicate the consistent play he showed last season. On Friday night, he hit the ice for 13:35, across 17 shifts. But he could not generate much offense.

McMann produced naught more than two shots on goal. McMann last scored against the LA Kings on November 13. He’s been held pointless since then, racking up just eight points in 23 games this season.

#2 Troy Stecher

Stecher was on the wrong end of the play that led to the Capitals’ third-period, go-ahead goal. The Caps had the Toronto Maple Leafs pinned in their own end. Despite the play being 5v5, it looked like a Washington power play.

In the end, Chychrun unloaded, beating Joseph Woll from the slot. Here’s a look at the goal:

Stecher was in the passing lane, but was unable to do anything to prevent the pass from getting to Chychurn or preventing the shot. Woll tried to get across but just couldn’t stop the shot. Meanwhile, Stecher’s reaction said it all.

#1 Oliver Ekman-Larsson

The Toronto Maple Leafs veteran defenseman has been great at times. But other times, his defensive play has been a liability. That much was evident against Washington. Ekman-Larsson’s role in Beauvillier’s goal told the story.

Here’s a look at the goal, as shown on the Capitals’ official X account:

Alexander Ovechkin walked all over Ekman-Larsson. Ovechkin didn’t even need to push the accelerator to get past the Leafs’ defenseman. The result ended up in the back of the net, allowing the Capitals to tie the game.

The Maple Leafs will be back on the ice on Saturday night as they face the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.