‘It’s a battle at this time’: Toronto Maple Leafs Morgan Riely defense in offensive problems

Toronto – Morgan Riely He is accustomed to contributing to the album on his stick.

The Defense of the Maple Leafs had 68 points in his career a couple of years ago and another 58 was contributed last season as part of a well -greased attack.

The offensive has dried largely in 2024-25 for Riely. His teammates have been bitten by the same error during the last week.

He Minnesota Wild He collected a 3-1 victory on Wednesday when Toronto dropped a third consecutive game in the regulation where the group could only gather a lonely goal.

“We can do a better job to enter the interior,” said Leafs captain Auston Matthewswho arrived at the post in the first period. “(It is) simply knocking him down. Sometimes that’s how it goes.

“Sometimes you enter these periods in which you are fighting it a little, the album is not bouncing on your way.”

Things have not been bouncing on the Riely road for much of 2024-25. The best paid blueliner of the equipment with an annual salary blow of US $ 7.5 million has obtained only once in its last 37 games.

“I feel good despite the numbers,” said Rielly, who has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 51 competitions. “It’s a battle at this time. I just try to compete and play the best.”

Toronto has had problems finding a constant partner for the 30 -year -old, but Chief coach Craig Berube has liked what he has seen with Jake McCabe On Riely’s flank.

“Can Morgan play better? Yes, can you,” Berube said. “We all know, he knows it. He is trying to overcome it at this time. It is a team game. That is not all in Morgan. Yes, it is a guy we need to offend.

“We will try to help him as much as we can.”

Riely had more license to wander when the former Bank Chief, Sheldon Keefe, was in charge, but was not putting excuses for his game under the strictest system and reluctant at risk, the winning berube of the Stanley Cup brought Toronto when it was hired last spring.

“We all pressed a lot to act,” said Riely, who lost a battle behind his network that led to Minnesota’s first goal. “We all strive to be the best we can be. When you are not in your own way, you do everything possible to change that. It starts with hard work and is a good teammate.”

End of the leaves William NylanderWho scored the only goal against nature and also hit the crossbar in a getaway, said Toronto’s trend to wear five strikers in the power game has contributed to Riely’s immersion.

“As an offensive defender, those are a few minutes that, for production purposes, is not obtained,” said Nylander. “He has been playing very well … Puck is not entering.”

Toronto (30-19-2) fell first place in the Atlantic Division on Wednesday after the Florida Panthers (30-19-3) collected a 3-0 victory over the Kings of Los Angeles.

“It is a difficult section at this time with the score, that is the conclusion,” said Berube, whose group also lost 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets and 2-1 to Ottawa senators as part of its current slide. “I just have to fight through him.”

The same goes for Riely.

“Our team is extremely committed and the boys are motivated and focused,” said North Vancouver’s product, BC. “There is no lack of effort, there is no lack of preparation of anyone. I am doing everything possible to contribute more offensively, be in the game and drive that without risking the defensive side.

“We are all working together to try to play as well as possible.”

Wheels up

The Leafs will travel to Edmonton on Thursday before the date of Saturday with the Oilers to open a road trip of four games before the NHL breaks for the confrontation of the 4 nations.

The Swing Out Out West, which also includes stops in Calgary, Seattle and Vancouver, marks the first time Toronto has been out of the city for a prolonged period this season.

Leafs could also get forward John Tavares (injury at the bottom of the body) and Matthew Knies (Injury of the upper body) at some point on the trip.

“I’m glad we’re going to the road,” Berube said. “It will be good for the team to be together and spend time together.”

Swedish delight

Nylander rang that Iron fired in his Swedish teammate and 4 nations Filip Gustavsson Before finally passing one beyond his compatriot in the third.

“It’s very quiet there,” Nylander said before adding with a smile: “Only a great Swedish goalkeeper.”

This Canadian Press report was first published on January 29, 2025.