Maple Leafs Had the Numbers Against Utah, but Not the

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a chance to take control of Tuesday night's game against Utah, but instead they spent much of the evening trying to dig themselves out of a hole. Jack Roslovic scored twice, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 33 saves, but a costly first period and a late Utah power-play goal sent Toronto to a disappointing 3-2 home loss.

The strangest part? Toronto actually out-attempted Utah 23-7 in the opening period. The problem was that the visitors made their opportunities count.

The Maple Leafs Looked Dull Against the Mammoth.

Utah's power play struck with just 12.4 seconds remaining in the first when Dylan Guenther beat Bobrovsky through a screen. It was a particularly frustrating goal because the Leafs had spent much of the period chasing the game rather than playing with the urgency they needed.

Toronto coach Hiller wasn't particularly happy with how things unfolded. "That’s a good question. It took a long time for us to get going, no question. Bob kept us in it, and then the stupid penalty — let’s call it what it is — cost us."

Hiller also addressed the decision not to challenge Utah's second goal for goaltender interference. He said the coaching staff reviewed the situation but decided not to challenge, partly because Bobrovsky was in the white portion of the crease. Hiller acknowledged that these calls are difficult to interpret. "It's a tough one. It's a hard one for everybody," Hiller explained.

Bobrovsky deserved better in this game.

Bobrovsky finished with 33 saves on 36 shots and gave Toronto a chance to win despite the loss. Hiller praised the veteran goaltender's professionalism and confidence, calling him "one of the greatest goalies to ever play in the league."

Roslovic was Toronto's offensive bright spot. He tied it 2-2 at 9:05 of the third period with his second goal of the night, beating Cossa with a backhand after moving in alone. Auston Matthews assisted on both goals. Roslovic also extended his career-best point streak to seven games. Hiller was impressed with more than just the scoring, pointing to his skating, forechecking and ability to disrupt opposing breakouts.

One additional concern emerged after the game. Roslovic spent time with the trainers, and Hiller acknowledged that something was going on but didn't believe it was too serious.

The Maple Leafs penalty kill has gone backwards over recent games.

Toronto's penalty kill also remains a concern. The Maple Leafs have now surrendered six power-play goals over their last five games. Against Utah, the visitors scored twice on three opportunities. The Maple Leafs did win the faceoff battle, 55.8 percent to 44.2 percent, and had seven takeaways compared with Utah's zero. Those numbers weren't enough to overcome the special-teams difference.

Toronto will have little time to dwell on the loss. The Montreal Canadiens visit Scotiabank Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Maple Leafs will need a much better start if they hope to get that one back.