Overview
- Toronto surrendered a late second‑period equalizer to Adam Wilsby, then a third‑period go‑ahead tally from Luke Evangelista before two empty‑netters sealed a 5-3 Predators win.
- The defeat drops the Maple Leafs to 15-14-5 with four losses in their past five, leaving them near the bottom of the Atlantic Division.
- Coach Craig Berube called the tying and go‑ahead goals "avoidable" and pointed to poor decision‑making, while noting improved puck movement and zone exits.
- A newly split power play generated chances but went 0-for-1 and sits around 14 percent, tied near last in the NHL after being a strength last season.
- Lineup tweaks included Philippe Myers beside Morgan Rielly, Matias Maccelli drawing in as Max Domi sat, and Joseph Woll starting; GM Brad Treliving’s visible engagement and possible changes for Sunday’s game in Dallas reflect mounting urgency.