Kapanen scores, but New York’s backup turns aside 55 shots
Hitting the net wasn’t the problem for the Maple Leafs on Sunday. Hitting the back of the net was.
The Leafs logged a seasonhigh 56 shots on net and did everything possible on offence, save for the most important thing of all, in losing 4-1 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Kasperi Kapanen was the only Leaf to beat Alex Georgiev, whose 55 saves were the second-most in Rangers history.
Toronto had its winning streak snapped at four games.
Offensive stars: Nazem Kadri’s line was the best on the ice for much of the night. Kadri had a career-high 12 shots on goal … John Tavares had at least three seemingly sure-bet goals but, like the rest of the his teammates, was left shaking his head in frustration.
Defensive stars: Georgiev, celebrating his 23rd birthday, was outstanding for the Rangers, especially in the first period when the Leafs outshot New York 22-11. He ended up with more saves in a game than every Ranger but Mike Richter, who turned aside 59 in 1991. Georgiev is the only Bulgarianborn goalie in the NHL.
Takeaways: The Leafs might have expected Mika Zibanejad, who scored just 28 seconds into the game, would open the scoring. Zibanejad now has 11 goals and 17 points since Jan. 15, and is the first Ranger to record a point in each of his team’s last 11 goals ... There was plenty to like about the Leafs in the first. They went on a 20-1 run on shots after the first goal. Kapanen buried a beautiful breakaway shot off the post and in for his first goal in nine games, and his second in 18. And William Nylander continued to look dangerous. He barely missed a goal in the first period. He’s at his best in the open ice, but he’s getting more and more chances because he’s working harder than ever around and behind the net ... Zach Hyman showed a little of the all-around game that makes him popular. He went after Rangers defenceman Neal Pionk after Pionk unintentionally hit Mitch Marner. Marner was on the ice in pain after the hit.
And giveaways: Not a good night for Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin. Two of his giveaways led to goals.
Power shortage: The Leafs now have 33 games this season in which they have not scored with the man advantage. The power play — 0-4 vs. New York — had unbelievable puck control Sunday, and an incredible 23 shots. The only thing it lacked was finish.
Scouting trip? The Rangers have forwards Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello and big defenceman Adam McQuaid headed for unrestricted free agency this summer. Hayes has been linked to the Leafs, and he had some good hits on Nikita Zaitsev and others Sunday night.
Talking point: Lotsa talk about Marlies forward Jeremy Bracco. The 21-year-old had a goal and an assist in the Marlies’ 4-3 loss to Belleville on Sunday. He has three goals and three assists in his last three games, and leads the AHL with 35 assists.
Up next: The Leafs continue their longest road trip of the season — six game and 11 days — when they visit Colorado on Tuesday.