Nylander continues cold streak, dreadful PK, and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs lost 4-1 to Dallas Stars

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped their second-straight home game, this time a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. The Leafs opened the scoring in the first period, but it was all Dallas after that as they scored four unanswered goals.

Auston Matthews scored his 15th of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile, Logan Stankoven scored twice for the Dallas Stars, with Mavrik Bourque (PPG) and Matt Duchene (PPG) adding the other tallies for the Stars.

So, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 4-1 to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs lost to Dallas Stars

#3 Awful third period

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the third period at 2-1. The game was within their reach despite Dallas playing a strong defensive game. However, the Leafs could not muster any sort of legitimate scoring opportunities despite outshooting the Stars 9-3 in the third.

The Stars scored two goals on three shots, effectively icing the game. The Leafs did not attempt to rally down the stretch, essentially giving up on the game.

#2 Dreadful penalty kill

One of the strongest points for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season has been their much-improved penalty kill. However, the penalty kill faltered as the Leafs gave up two power play tallies on three opportunities.

First, Mavrik Bourque’s goal at 12:35 of the second gave the Stars the lead. Then, a silly penalty at the end of the second period led to Dallas opening the third with the man advantage. The Stars made the Leafs pay by scoring a minute into the final frame.

The Leafs didn’t do themselves any favors by going 0-for-2 on the power play. Had the Leafs managed to score on Sam Steel’s slashing call, the game could have been much closer.

#1 William Nylander continues cold streak

William Nylander went silent, failing to get on the scoresheet in 22 minutes of ice time. He’s scored once since the calendar turned to 2025. While Nylander has six points over his last ten games, he’s failed to register anything in his last six.

That lack of production is something the Leafs cannot afford, especially since depth scoring seems to have dried up over the last five games.

The Leafs will have a chance to regroup on Wednesday before taking on the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night at home.