Nylander robbed, awful PP and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-1 to Columbus Blue Jackets

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a lopsided decision against the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second time this season. The Blue Jackets won 5-1 on Wednesday night on the strength of Adam Fantili’s first career hat trick.

In addition to Fantili’s three goals, former Leaf James van Riemsdyk and Luca Del Bel Belluz scored for Columbus. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews got his team on the board in the third period.

Here's a closer look at three reasons why Toronto lost to Columbus on Wednesday night.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-1 to Columbus Blue Jackets

#3. Hildeby pounded by Blue Jackets again

The last time Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Dennis Hildeby faced the Columbus Blue Jackets, he gave up six goals on 38 shots. The tough outing led to Hildeby returning to the AHL until injuries allowed him to return to the NHL for another shot this season.

On Wednesday night, Hildeby faced the Blue Jackets again. This time, Hildeby gave up four goals on 18 shots, taking another loss against the Blue Jackets.

While Hildeby can’t take the blame for all four goals, he didn’t provide the steady goaltending needed to keep the game close. The Leafs fell behind in the second and were unable to get back into the game.

#2. Awful power play

The Toronto Maple Leafs got three chances on the power play. While they looked fairly good on moving the puck and getting chances, a costly miscue led to a shorthanded goal by Adam Fantili to open the scoring in the first period.

Here’s a look at the goal:

A turnover in the Columbus zone allowed Fantili to streak down the right side and beat Hildeby with a wicked wrister. While it could be argued that Hildeby should have made the save, Fanitli deserves credit for the great shot.

The goal gave Columbus a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. The Leafs would not be able to get back into the game as the Blue Jackets built a 3-0 after two periods.

#1. Nylander robbed

Earlier in the day, Leafs’ coach Craig Berube discussed how much William Nylander had mastered the art of the breakaway. Sure enough, Nylander got a breakaway opportunity early in the first period. The game was scoreless, and Nylander had an opportunity to give the Leafs the lead.

However, Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins robbed Nylander, keeping the game scoreless.

Here’s a look at the great save:

The Blue Jackets took over the momentum following Merzlikins’ brilliant save. Nylander had another opportunity late in the game, but just couldn’t tuck the puck past Merzlikins who was beaten on the ice.

The missed breakaways set the tone for the night, as the Leafs’ offense failed to generate enough scoring chances to mount a comeback.

The Leafs will get a couple of days off to regroup before facing the Ottawa Senators next in the Battle of Ontario at Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday.