"It's getting better": John Tavares feels Maple Leafs yet to reach maximum potential in defense

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped points for the sixth time in seven games as the Columbus Blue Jackets lost 3-2 in overtime on Thursday. A depleted Leafs roster due to injuries has also struggled defensively in those games, conceding 27 goals.

According to Leafs' John Tavares, who scored a goal and an assist in the game, the team is slowly gaining momentum on the blue line.

"Yeah, I think it's getting better," Tavares said. "So, a couple little tweaks that we've made that I think have put us in a good spot to replay off the rush, obviously protect the most dangerous areas of the ice, and allow us to be more predictable for each other without the puck.

"And then when you get it to be able to exit our zone and get up the ice and get on the forecheck. So, better, but obviously we still we still know there's a lot more to our game and building in those areas. So, just got to keep going and staying with it."

After a scoreless first period, the Leafs quickly fell 2-0 behind at 12:01 in the second. Dakota Mermis, playing his sixth game of the season, got one back 2:32 later. A spirited Leafs went level at 3:33 in the third period thanks to Tavaraes, who was set up by rookie Easton Cowan. But Columbus' Adam Fantilli scored his second of the night with 39 seconds remaining in overtime for the win.

Mermis scoring for the Leafs, from the blueline, showed how thin their roster is currently running. The team started the game without defensemen Chris Tanve and Brandon Carlo. Forwards Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy are also currently out due to injury.

"You just try to be prepared for whatever's thrown your way and try not to let too much of the things that you don't have control of get in your way of just focusing on that next shift, the next opportunity, and what that challenge might be, the guys you're playing with," Tavares added.

John Tavares heaps immense praise on Easton Cowan

A 20-year-old Easton Cowan was on the ice for 20:06 on Thursday. The rookie was given the nod on the first line beside John Tavares and William Nylander. Cowan's crucial assist in the third period helped the team draw level.

"Yeah, I think he's come a long way," Tavares said. "It's a great point. And you can just see not just his ability to read the game and make little plays, just like he did on my goal.

"Like, he just lays it in there, not too quick, just in the right spot with the right pace on it, and just an easy play for me to put in. And he just seems to be stronger on the puck, absorbing contact, things like that."

Cowan has been unlucky with just one goal over 24 shots in his first big-league season. His impact was felt, with the Leafs having 18 more attempts than their opponents.