On Monday night, the Anaheim Ducks improved a bit. In their math with the Maple Leafs in Toronto, the Ducks waited until the second period to collapse.
The Leafs scored three times in the middle frame en route to a 6-1 thumping of the Ducks.
Anaheim has been outscored 15-4 in their two games.
Jake Muzzin scored his fist goal with Leafs after being traded by the Los Angeles Kings.
“Good team, good coaching, good plan and it’s easy to follow,” Muzzin said. “It’s very clear on how we’re supposed to play and that’s how we’re playing. Especially with Morgan Rielly, having a good partner helps out as well.
“Coming here, I didn’t know what to expect with media and hockey and everything in general. I’m very pleased with how it’s going, hopefully it continues.”
Frederik Andersen made 24 saves in the win as the Leafs are on a four-game point streak at 3-0-1.
Rickard Rakell scored the Ducks’ only goal in another dismal loss.
“We’re in a situation here where we are clawing and we are desperate,” Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle said. “There’s no reward for any work we are putting in right now. That’s the tough part of pro sports. I think we expect more from our group and I can tell you right now they expect more from themselves.”
Andreas Johnsson struck twice for Toronto, and William Nylander, Connor Brown and John Tavares added single markers in the win.
The Ducks dropped to 21-23-9.
“We get that first on in the third period thinking we’re going to be building, coming back, and then a minute later they scored,” Ducks defenseman Josh Manson said. “That was it. It was like the tent just kind of folded.”
[WATCH: All Ducks vs. Maple Leafs highlights]
John Gibson got the start for Anaheim but was given the hook in the third period after giving up five of the six goals; he made 25 saves.
“This [stinks]; I’d rather not talk at all. It’s the same thing over and over again. It’s just sad,” Rakell said. “During my whole time I’ve been here, it’s always been a successful team where we’re tough to play against. Obviously that’s not the case right now and I have to be part of turning this around, because we don’t have much time left.”
Chad Johnson came into in relief and made eight saves.
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