The Leafs had a poor start to blame again, as they were a little flat and lacking in rhythm despite a misleading 6-0 shot count out of the blocks. They did carry the edge in play for the most part in this game, although there were significant spells where they were in control but nonthreatening.
Despite a valiant push as the game wore on, the Leafs remain one of only two teams without a win when trailing after two periods (0-12), and have only one win when trailing after the opening 20.
The difference proved to be two Blue Jackets goals both generated off point shots, with the Leaf in the area – first Froese, second Parenteau – failing to tie up the man in front.