The Toronto Maples Leafs continue to show inconsistency following a loss to the Arizona Coyotes Sunday night.
The Leafs started the game off with defensemen Travis Dermott scoring a goal in the first period. Arizona would quickly take the lead in the second period with goals from Mario Kempe and Clayton Keller. Despite a goal in the third from John Tavares to tie the game, Coyotes forward Vinnie Hinostroza would score the game-winner with Lawson Crouse adding the empty netter.
The loss is the second in a row for the Leafs, and the fourth in the last five games. And the injuries continue to mount as well.
Winger Andreas Johnsson left in the second period with a concussion following a hit by Coyotes defensemen Niklas Hjalmarsson. Defenseman Jake Gardiner, who didn’t play due to back spasms, is listed as day-to-day.
Despite the loss, coach Mike Babcock told Sportsnet “I liked a lot of the things we did.”
The Leafs play again on Jan. 23 against the Washington Capitals.
