Articles / 2 Takeaways From the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 OT Loss to the Blue Jackets

2 Takeaways From the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 OT Loss to the Blue Jackets

T
The Hockey Writers
Nov 21, 2025 4:50 PM

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The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a tough battle against the Columbus Blue Jackets, ultimately losing 3-2 in a thrilling overtime match. Despite a strong performance, the Leafs struggled to maintain their advantage, with goals from Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner providing early optimism. However, the Blue Jackets rallied, capitalizing on defensive lapses to tie the game and push it into extra time.

In an intense overtime frame, the Leafs had a few chances to clinch the victory, but the Blue Jackets' tenacity shone through. Their determination was rewarded when Johnny Gaudreau found the back of the net, sealing the game with a dramatic finish. The defeat was a bitter pill for the Leafs, who had hoped to capitalize on their home ice.

The Maple Leafs' head coach commented on the need for improvement in their defensive play, emphasizing the importance of maintaining leads in tightly contested games. With their upcoming schedule, the focus will be on rectifying these issues and enhancing their overall performance. As the season progresses, fans remain eager to see how the Leafs adjust and respond to this setback, hoping for a stronger showing in their next outing.