3 least impressive Pittsburgh Penguins players from their epic collapse against Toronto Maple Leafs ft. Tristan Jarry

The Pittsburgh Penguins headlined the most epic collapse this season, blowing a 3-0 third-period lead to lose 4-3 in regulation on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena. The Penguins had held the Maple Leafs to just four shots on goal through 40 minutes. But then, Toronto scored four times in the third to steal the two points.

Ben Kindel scored twice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, with Erik Karlsson getting the other tally for the Pittsburgh Penguins. William Nylander scored twice for the Leafs, with captain Auston Matthews and Bobby McMann scoring.

So, here’s a look at the three least impressive players from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ epic collapse against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

3 least impressive Pittsburgh Penguins players from epic collapse against Toronto Maple Leafs

#3 Sidney Crosby

It’s almost unheard of to place Sidney Crosby among the least impressive players in a game. But given how the Penguins fell apart on Monday night, it’s no surprise Crosby didn’t have his best performance.

Now, the subpar performance should be focused on one period. Crosby had an assist in the game. But it was his third-period showing throughout made a huge difference for the Penguins. In particular, Crosby’s inability to catch up to Auston Matthews on the Leafs’ first goal is worth taking a look at:

The goal, as shown on the Maple Leafs' official X account, saw Matthews get in between the Penguins’ defenders. Crosby, meanwhile, attempted to get back into the play, but couldn’t catch Matthews. It almost seemed as though Crosby slowed down and allowed Jarry to face Matthews 1-on-1.

Mathews’ goal opened the floodgates, leaving the Penguins unable to do much to stop he deluge.

#2 Harrison Brunicke

Harrison Brunicke has been a bright spot for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season. The rookie blueliner looks like he could be a fixture on the Pens’ blue line for years to come. But on Monday night, the more experienced Maple Leafs squad made it clear he’s still a rookie.

That situation was on display during the mad scramble that led to McMann’s game-winner. Here’s a look at the play:

Brunicke and forward Blake Lizzotte could do little to keep the Maple Leafs from hacking away at the front of the net. But when the puck came around the McMann, the entire Pittsburgh Penguins’ defense broke down, allowing the Toronto forward to waltz in and beat Jarry for the go-ahead goal.

Brunicke ended the night a minus-2 in over 32 minutes of ice time, while getting one shot on goal.

#1 Tristan Jarry

The Pittsburgh Penguins' netminder had shown a strong performance for the first 40 minutes. However, Tristan Jarry’s inconsistent play re-emerged on Monday night. Jarry seemed to lose focus, allowing two soft goals in the third-period push by Toronto.

In particular, Nylander’s first of the night was one goal Jarry would have liked to get back. Here’s the replay from Toronto’s official X account:

Nylander lobbed a backhander on net. The puck somehow found a spot between Jarry’s shoulder and the top-right corner. The goal made the game 3-2 and seemingly broke the Penguins’ defense.

Nylander’s second goal was an equally unflattering one, calling Jarry’s mental game into question yet again. The Pens’ netminder ended the night with 16 saves on 20 shots.

The Penguins will be back on the ice on Thursday as they host their division rivals, the Washington Capitals, at the PPG Paints Arena.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan