Ekman-Larsson had some choice words for the Leafs' power play: 'You don't get any points for looking good'
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oliver Ekman-Larsson had some choice words for the Maple Leafs' struggling power play after an 0-5 run last night in a 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most wildly inconsistent teams this season, and it's becoming increasingly frustrating to watch -- even for the players themselves.
The Leafs had ample opportunity to thrive last night, being awarded 5 power plays in the contest. Unfortunately, the effort just wasn't there, and when asked about the team's very obvious struggles to keep pace with the Capitals last night, Craig Berube was very clear in that if the media wanted those answers, they'd have to talk to the players.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson was one of the Maple Leafs players who was quick to admit that the team was "flat the whole night". He also addressed the horrendous 0-5 conversion rate on the power play with a rather blunt assessment for his teammates.
"They were more desperate than us. We were pretty flat the whole night; didn't really create anything the compete has for to be there every single day. I don't think we deserved better tonight. Turned too many pucks over and had to defend a little too much and the power play is going to have to step up too. You don't get any points for looking good."
Just how bad has it been for the Maple Leafs with the man advantage? Well, The Athletic's James Mirtle reported on Thursday that the Leafs have dipped to a dismal 10% efficiency on the power play over the last 16 games.
This season, the Leafs have also posted their worst PP rating through 33 games since 2007-08, according to Sportsnet stats.
There's simply no valid argument that the team can make for why the power play is struggling as much as it is right now. With Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Morgan Rielly all having shown the ability to thrive on the power play together, there's just no excuse for how bad it's been.
I'd be shocked if PP coach Marc Savard makes it through the remainder of the season at this rate. If your job is to run the power play and you take a group like the one above and lead them to the worst PP rating in the league (just 12 PP goals this season), you simply do not deserve to keep your job.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
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DECEMBRE 19 | 963 ANSWERS Ekman-Larsson had some choice words for the Leafs' power play: 'You don't get any points for looking good' Do you think the Leafs need to fire PP coach Marc Savard? | ||
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