Blackhawks 3, Maple Leafs 2: Another Game Slips Through Toronto’s Fingers

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, this one had the feel of a game they should’ve collected, folded up, and packed away before Chicago ever found a rhythm. Toronto played well enough to win. For the first two periods, they generated chances, skated with purpose, and got a genuinely fantastic game from Joseph Woll, who looked composed after a long time away.

But the Maple Leafs lost their fifth game in a row. Right now, they are caught in that uncomfortable space where they can build a lead but can’t convince themselves they’re going to keep it. Morgan Rielly said it out loud — the little mistakes are piling up, and when a team is wobbling on confidence, those mistakes turn into goals against. That 2-1 lead should’ve been steadying; instead, it became another point on the growing list of games that get away late.

The Maple Leafs Got Energy from Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson

And buried underneath the loss was something the Maple Leafs ought to hold onto: energy. Real, youthful, disruptive energy. Easton Cowan didn’t score, but he sparked. He hunted pucks, pushed pace, and created the kind of looks this team has been missing. Nick Robertson, the same story. He scored a goal that was a reminder of the hunger in this lineup.

Toronto’s problem was less about effort and more about execution in key moments. Chicago got their bounce on a late deflection; Toronto didn’t get theirs. Chicago closed; Toronto hesitated. In a league where games turn on one or two plays, confidence becomes the quiet separator, and right now the Maple Leafs’ belief is flickering. They’re playing well enough to be better than their record, but until they snap out of this “waiting for something to go wrong” mentality, they’ll stay stuck in these one-goal trenches.

Three Key Points from the Maple Leafs’ Perspective

Key Point One: Joseph Woll Looked Ready. After missing 18 games, Joseph Woll gave Toronto exactly what they needed. He played with stability, calmness, and a fighting chance to win. He deserved better support.

Key Point Two: The Kids Brought the Spark. Cowan’s speed and Robertson’s finish were welcome signs. They didn’t solve the problem, but they changed the team's feel. Toronto needs more of that. Cowan needs to stay with the big club. No question.

Key Point Three: Closing Games Is Becoming the Issue for the Maple Leafs. Last season, Toronto protected leads like a veteran team. This season, hesitation is creeping in, and it’s costing them at the worst times. This team cannot hold on. That’s got to change, and fast!

Final Comment from the Maple Leafs’ Point of View

This wasn’t a game that exposed flaws. Instead, it was a game that revealed doubt. And until the Maple Leafs rediscover their late-game backbone, nights like this will keep slipping away.