Rittich takes 'full responsibility' for Leafs' 5th straight loss

Toronto Maple Leafs veteran netminder David Rittich took ownership of the team's 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night.

"I'm taking full responsibility for this game," Rittich said postgame. "I think the players did a great job. They got three goals for me and I just didn't respond. I've got to get better."

Toronto held a 3-2 lead in the third period but Vancouver scored four straight - including an empty-netter - to storm back and win. The dagger from Tanner Pearson got past Rittich from a weak angle.

Tanner Pearson nips one home to double the Canucks lead!#Canucks pic.twitter.com/W5o65CWrng

- Hockey Daily 365 (@HockeyDaily365) April 21, 2021

Toronto acquired Rittich from the Calgary Flames prior to the trade deadline for a 2022 third-round pick. The 28-year-old has lost all three starts with his new club.

Rittich isn't the only Maple Leafs goalie struggling between the pipes. During Toronto's five-game skid, the club's goalies own a .858 save percentage and 3.69 goals-against average despite facing only 25 shots per contest, according to Sportsnet Stats.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the Leafs' goaltending woes after the game.

"Yeah, I'm concerned about our goaltending," he said. "Obviously, we've got to get that sorted out, but I'm not concerned about our team. I believe in our group. We played well enough to win here tonight."

The Maple Leafs own a four-point lead atop the North Division despite their recent slump and face a key two-game set with the second-place Winnipeg Jets later this week.

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