Leafs Lose to Hurricanes, Face Senators

NHL stories making news on March 21st.

The Toronto Maple Leafs fell 4-3 to the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime on Friday night.

Alexander Nickishin scored the winner just 41 seconds into the extra frame after a

tight battle where the Leafs stay competitive throughout.

John Tavaris snapped a 19-game drought with his first even-strength goal while the

Coda Joshua opened the scoring for Tavaris.

Tavaris showed his veterans smart by grinding out a solid goal, but the team's offense has

been too inconsistent lately.

Joshua did his part as a depth player, with nine goals in 47 games this season, yet those

efforts haven't sparked the rest of the lineup, too.

Build momentum together.

Coach Kred Barubi didn't hold back after the game, pointing out Goli Joseph Woll needed

to make one key save in big moments like the overtime goal, despite stopping 32 shots

overall.

This comes as Barubi pushes the team harder publicly, similar to how he's addressed other players

before.

The Leafs keep finding ways to hang in games, but struggle to finish them, often lacking

the speed to match faster opponents through the neutral zone, and, on attacks, loose pucks

and quit transitions have exposed them all season.

Tonight they face the Ottawa Senators, who are battling for a wild card playoff spot and

bring high energy.

If Toronto can't pick up the pace, expect another close contest that slips away, highlighting

their ongoing challenges down the stretch.