In the opening passages of the game, unlike most nights in the Sheldon Keefe era so far, the Leafs came out flat while Edmonton was buzzing in the offensive zone, winning all the puck races and battles.
Despite the sluggish start, Toronto did flash the odd sign of promise in the offensive zone when they managed to possess the puck down there.
Good passing down low results in this chance from Matthews. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/OLJIr5QDAG
— Maple Leafs Hotstove (@LeafsNews) January 7, 2020
Plays like these were few and far in between, though, as the momentum of the game was clearly in the Oilers’ favour, and it didn’t take long before Edmonton turned it into the opening goal.