6 takeaways from Leafs-Red Wings: Anthony Stolarz, Calle Jarnkrok’s early heroics spoiled in defeat

Stolarz made several great stops in the first period, saving 1.43 goals above expected in all situations via Natural Stat Trick. During the second period, the Red Wings constantly remained on the offensive — Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo each logged Heruclean shifts lasting over two minutes and 35 seconds at separate junctures during the frame — and Stolarz couldn’t do it all by himself.

This is just one example of the constant barrage Stolarz faced during the second period. Toronto collectively allowed Patrick Kane to thread cross-seam passes with ease and Lucas Raymond scored twice. Kane also rocketed home a laser that wouldn’t have looked out of place during his prime, and ultimately, Stolarz didn’t get any run support, running out of gas eventually. It’s Game 2 of the season, but the Maple Leafs can ill-afford to waste quality starts from their top goaltender.

“It’s a lesson for us. We have to come to play every night. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing,” Stolarz said post-game via The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel.

Calle Jarnkrok and Nicolas Roy started on fire, but the fourth line will be amended

Calle Jarnkrok opened the scoring, getting on the board for the second consecutive game. Jarnkrok has been in excellent form since training camp began and the 34-year-old may be able to fulfill a role where he can play through the lineup, while providing plus-defence. In a fourth line role, Jarnkrok is pushing himself into high-danger areas and was rewarded early in the game.

Nicolas Roy was in excellent form early as well. Roy almost claimed the first goal before Jarnkrok jammed it in, and his activity on the forecheck was notable throughout the opening stages of the game. He almost registered his second assist of the game, setting up Nick Robertson for a one-timer bullet, that was pushed away by Cam Talbot. Roy used his size well and he has better scoring touch than many anticipated after being acquired in the Mitch Marner trade with the Golden Knights.

Jarnkrok and Roy continued their strong partnership in a limited 2:34 sample alongside William Nylander, generating two shots and four shot attempts. This line will have to be amended due to Lorentz’s injury, at least for Monday’s rematch against the Detroit Red Wings. Will it provide an opportunity for Easton Cowan to make his much-anticipated NHL debut?

Morgan Rielly’s increased offensive activity on full display, but there’s room for improvement

This may read as too positive from a 6-3 loss, but Morgan Rielly was active offensively for the second consecutive game. Rielly wired a shot towards the net that was deflected by Roy for the Maple Leafs’ second goal, and he was entering the rush with frequency. The 31-year-old also registered a primary assist on Max Domi’s third-period goal and he was hunting for offence throughout the game.

There’s a key difference from Wednesday. Rielly often struggled defensively, although it was often to cover for his partner Brandon Carlo, who made several errors throughout the contest. It would be incorrect to suggest that Rielly hunted for offence at the expense of his defensive responsibilities, as he was physical in his own zone and worked tirelessly to get exits, but the Leafs were often hemmed in when he was on the ice alongside Carlo. The offensive activity is encouraging, but it’s likely Craig Berube will have some further instruction on the defensive side of the puck.

Auston Matthews shows glimpses of normal shot velocity

It’s the $13.25M question: will Auston Matthews be able to shoot with the same velocity we’ve been accustomed to throughout his career? Matthews didn’t score in Saturday’s loss and the first line consisting of Matthew Knies and Matias Maccelli were outchanced, but Toronto’s captain showed some encouraging signs.

Matthews registered five shots at 5-on-5, six shots in all situations and 12 shot attempts. He hit the crossbar with venom during the first period, and it looked like vintage Matthews, even if the puck didn’t go in. It was an encouraging sign on what was an otherwise forgettable evening for the Maple Leafs. Now, to alleviate some early fears, Matthews can silence any doubt with a goal at 5-on-5 on Monday.

Max Domi shows increased willingness to shoot

Max Domi is known to be a pass-first player, at least through his tenure with the Maple Leafs. Domi made a concerted effort to shoot the puck more often and scored his first goal of the year during the third period. Earlier in the game, Domi entered a 2-on-1 rush with Nick Robertson, but he looked off his teammate before firing it on net. It’s a welcome sign from a veteran forward that registered eight goals in 74 games last year.

Domi is still optimally used on the wing and his defensive shortcomings were exploited against the Red Wings, with cross-seam passes zipping through the Leafs’ defensive zone. This is the type of offensive game the Leafs want to see from Domi, but it cannot come at the expense of the lineup overall.

McMann-Tavares-Nylander invisible in losing effort

John Tavares was Toronto’s best forward in Wednesday’s opening night win, but the second line were virtually invisible Saturday. Tavares, Bobby McMann and William Nylander were outshot 7-1 in eight minutes at 5-on-5 together, registering a paltry three percent share of the expected goals. Tavares and Nylander were completely neutralized by Red Wings defenceman Simon Edvinsson, and it was a brutal night overall.

Toronto will need a better effort overall as Tavares was the only player on the line to register a shot. It’s early in the season and Berube will be naturally inclined to try out new lines. After Saturday’s loss, there may be a necessary shakeup, if only to see what combinations work with a host of new players in the lineup.