Overview
- Toronto carried the play against Dallas but Jake Oettinger turned aside prime looks, including breakaways by Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
- The Maple Leafs went 0-for-4 on the man advantage and continue to own the NHL’s last-ranked power play.
- Following five losses in six games, Toronto sits 15-15-5, second-last in the East and six points out of a wild-card berth.
- Key injuries to Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo and starting goalie Anthony Stolarz lack timetables, and trade options are on hold during the league’s freeze through Dec. 28.
- Scrutiny of coach Craig Berube is increasing, though a change remains speculative, with Pittsburgh visiting Tuesday before the holiday break.