Team struggles without Matthews, no depth scoring and more: 3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs lost 5-2 against Winnipeg Jets

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped a tough 5-2 loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday afternoon at Scotiabank Arena. The Leafs lost their second game in a row without captain Auston Matthews, who continues to nurse an upper-body injury.

Mark Scheifele had a hat trick for the Jets, with Kyle Connor getting two goals. Meanwhile, John Tavares scored both goals for Toronto.

So, with that in mind, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Maple Leafs lost to the Jets on Monday afternoon.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs lost to Winnipeg Jets

#3. The Maple Leafs failed to make the most of their chances

Overall, the game was evenly matched. Both teams had 25 shots apiece, with the Leafs having a slight edge over the Jets in faceoff percentage. Also, the Leafs outhit the Jets 29-15, with the Jets blocking more shots at 22-6.

However, the Jets made the most of their scoring opportunities. Kyle Connor scored in the first and second periods to give the Jets a 2-0 lead. While John Tavares cut the lead in half, Mark Scheifele made the most of his ice time, making the Leafs pay with two goals on scrambles in front of the net. Scheifele then iced the game in the final minute with an empty-netter.

In the end, Connor Hellebuyck was the difference-maker. The Leafs couldn’t beat the Vezina-caliber goalie, while the Jets made the most of their shots, beating Joseph Woll four times.

#2. Lack of depth scoring

Depth scoring had been a huge story over the last ten games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In particular, the third line, which consisted of Max Domi, Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson, had been on fire, providing the Leafs with plenty of depth scoring.

But that was not the case on Monday afternoon. The depth scoring dried up, leaving the remaining members of the Core Four to pick up the slack. For the most part, Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander did their part to keep the Leafs in the game.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much scoring beyond that, leaving Toronto to ponder how to improve their depth scoring after the Christmas break.

#1. Auston Matthews’ absence weighed heavily on the Leafs

Auston Matthews’ absence has weighed heavily on the Leafs over the last two games. Without Matthews, Craig Berube has had to shuffle lines in order to accommodate the open spot down the middle.

While Tavares, Marner and Nylander have played well, life shuffling has disrupted the rhythm of the other lines. The Domi-Nylander-Robertson line hasn’t jived very well, with the McMann-David Kampf-Max Pacioretty line hardly getting anything going.

Moving forward, the Toronto Maple Leafs may need to look at reconfiguring their lines once again. But the Christmas break should give Matthews a chance to recover, potentially seeing him return for the Leafs’ first game back on Saturday against the Washington Capitals.