Leafs Drop Back-to-Back, Haymes Heats Up in AHL

0:00It's March 22nd. You're listening to NHL News today, AI-powered coverage of your team. I'm Cory with the story. The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a 5-2 decision to the Ottawa Senators on the road, wrapping up the second game of a back-to-back set. Despite a solid start in the first period, and a late push in the third, the Leafs couldn't keep pace as Ottawa pulled away with three goals in the second frame alone. Joseph Wall stepped in unexpectedly and delivered with 38 saves, giving his team a real shot to stay in it. John Tavares chipped in a goal, marking his 14th career season with at least 25 tallies and pushing him past 500 for his career. Fans and analysts are pointing to ongoing defensive lapses as the big issue, with coverage breakdowns leading to too many second chances for Ottawa. It's a recurring problem that's turned close games into blowouts more than once this season. Meanwhile, down in the American hockey league, prospect Luke Haymes is heating up for the Toronto Marlies.

1:01The 22-year-old notched a goal and two assists in a recent 6-3 win, bringing his totals to 16 goals and 29 points over. 58 games. These inconsistencies highlight what the Leafs need to fix, heading into their next stretch sharper structure, and better battle wins to avoid chasing. Fans and build momentum from here.