Matthews, Marner shut down, own goal, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs were shut out 3-0 by Vancouver Canucks

The Toronto Maple Leafs were shut out for the third time this season, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night. With the win, the Canucks snapped their four-game skid, giving starting netminder Kevin Lankinen his fourth clean sheet of the season.

Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes (own) and Kiefer Sherwood scored for the Canucks, while Dennis Hildeby made 15 saves for the Leafs in a losing effort. So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs were shut out by the Vancouver Canucks:

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Three reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs were shut out by the Vancouver Canucks

#3 Ice-cold power play

While the Toronto Maple Leafs played a disciplined game by staying out of the penalty box, they failed to take advantage of their three chances with the man advantage. Given how close the game was for most of the night, scoring on any of the three power plays could have changed the game’s complexion.

In particular, the two first-period power plays could have allowed the Leafs to tie the game after Boeser had scored 31 seconds into the contest. The Leafs then got another power play chance in the second period with the game still 1-0.

However, the Leafs again failed to score, opening the door for Vancouver to continue gaining momentum.

#2 Own goal

Shortly after the Toronto Maple Leafs had failed to score on their third power play opportunity, a Quinn Hughes point shot went off defenseman Conor Timmins and past netminder Dennis Hildeby for an unusual own goal.

The Leafs defender was in a good position, maintaining the front of the net clear, but the shot deflected off Timmins, leaving Hildeby unable to react in time. The goal made it 2-0, giving Vancouver all the momentum heading into the third period.

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#1 Matthews, Marner shut down

The Vancouver Canucks did a fantastic job of keeping Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews quiet. Marner ended the game a minus-1 in over 21 minutes of ice time, getting two shots on goal.

As for Matthews, he played just under 20 minutes, going minus-1 on the night. Matthews managed just two shots on goal in 20 shifts.

It’s worth pointing out that the Canucks played one of their best defensive games of the season. The effort brought the Leafs’ offense down with other high-profile scorers like William Nylander and John Tavares going quiet on the night, as well.

The Leafs will look to start a new winning streak on Tuesday night when they host the Dallas Stars in the second of their three-game homestand.