The Toronto Maple Leafs' three-game winning streak was snapped Saturday night in a tightly contested 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Here’s a look at three positives and three negatives from the game:

Three Positives

1. Dennis Hildeby's Impressive Performance: With both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll on injured reserve, third-string goalie Dennis Hildeby was given the nod, and he delivered a stellar performance. He stopped 33 of 34 shots, posting an impressive .971 save percentage. While he was beaten twice in the shootout, Hildeby's play kept the Maple Leafs in the game, giving the team a chance to win. His performance demonstrates his potential to take the next step in the organization.
2. Scott Laughton's Goal-Scoring Streak: Scott Laughton continued his strong play, scoring for the third straight game. His game-tying goal in the third period, a powerful slapshot over the shoulder of Canadiens' goalie Jakub Dobes, was a testament to his confidence and offensive capabilities. Laughton's recent offensive surge has coincided with improved defensive play, making him a valuable asset to the team.
3. Resilience and Defensive Effort: The Maple Leafs demonstrated resilience by tying the game late in the third period after trailing for much of the contest. The team's defensive effort was also notable, limiting the Canadiens to few high-quality scoring chances, especially after the first period. The Maple Leafs held the Canadiens to just 1 goal through regulation, showcasing a commitment to defensive responsibility.

Three Negatives

1. Power Play Struggles: The Maple Leafs' power play failed to capitalize on opportunities, continuing a season-long trend. They were unable to convert on their power play chances, which ultimately hurt their chances of winning the game.
2. Shootout Loss: Despite Hildeby's strong performance, the Maple Leafs lost in the shootout, failing to secure the extra point. The Canadiens outscored the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout, ending Toronto's bid for a fourth straight win.
3. Slow Start & Offensive Inconsistency: The Maple Leafs had only 10 shots after 40 minutes. The Maple Leafs started the game slowly, failing to score on their first shot and snapping a four-game streak of doing so. The Canadiens' defensive play stifled the Maple Leafs' attack, preventing them from setting up their offense effectively. While they generated chances in the third period and overtime, they couldn't find the back of the net to secure the win in regulation or overtime.