Canucks Make History While Maple Leafs Face The Wrath of Their Own Fans
It was an ugly night in Toronto, as the Leafs got blanked 3-0 by the Canucks. Fans were unhappy and definitely took a stand while the Canucks made history.
The energy in Scotiabank Arena began to sour long before the final horn. As the seconds ticked down in a lifeless third period, the rising chant of boos swelling from the stands told a tale more vivid than the scoreline.
Toronto Maple Leafs, playing at home on Hockey Night in Canada, not only lost to the Vancouver Canucks, but got shut out 3-0, leaving frustrated fans feeling robbed of what was supposed to be an exciting matchup
This wasn't just any loss for Toronto. Saturday's defeat was a historic low.
Leafs get shutout on home ice by Canucks for the first time ever
It was the first time in franchise history that the Maple Leafs had ever been shut out by the Canucks on home ice. Yet, it wasn't really the fans' displeasure over a record-breaking loss so much as how lifeless and uninspired their team looked.
On paper, the Maple Leafs looked set for a romp. The Canucks came to Toronto having wrestled with internal team strife and a torturous travel schedule that had them less prepared for the game than a typical Tuesday morning skate.
Everything seemed to be in favor of the home side. But instead of taking advantage of their opponent's woes, the Leafs turned in a flat performance devoid of energy or effort.
Meanwhile, Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen made some fantastic saves and shut the door on all 20 shots the Maple Leafs managed to direct at him.
Good as Lankinen was, his performance just pointed out in color the big problem at the other end of the rink: the Maple Leafs just didn't show up.
To fans expecting fireworks, it ended in bitter disappointment, with their hopes of a great game that were snuffed by a team that failed to rise to the occasion.
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