**Title: Maple Leafs Struggle in Preseason Loss to Canadiens**

The Toronto Maple Leafs finished their preseason with a 2-2 record after a 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. As the final week of training camp approaches, the team is experiencing a mix of successes and challenges. The integration of new players and line combinations has led to some disorganization on the ice.

The Maple Leafs have shown an unusual trend this preseason. They have managed to win games on the road against stronger NHL-ready rosters in Ottawa and Montreal, yet they have lost at home to the same teams when they appeared to have the advantage on paper.

In Saturday's game, center Nicolas Roy made his debut alongside newcomers Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua, forming a potential third line. Despite their size and energy, the trio struggled to make an impact. "We want to get more offensive zone time," Roy said. "That’s when you have fun." However, the Canadiens' aggressive checking forced many Leafs players, who still appeared to be shaking off summer rust, into poor decisions.

Coach Craig Berube has been experimenting with line combinations throughout training camp. Maccelli, who had previously played with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, was moved to play with John Tavares and William Nylander in the third period. Berube acknowledged the need for experimentation, stating, "I’m still experimenting" with Maccelli's role as the team prepares for the regular season.

The team’s special teams have also faced challenges. With Mitch Marner absent from both the power play and penalty kill, and Matthews not playing on Saturday, several players were given opportunities to fill those roles. At one point, Nylander had a promising 2-on-1 rush that quickly turned into a goal for Montreal, putting the Leafs in a 2-0 hole. Players like Roy, Maccelli, Joshua, Nylander, and Nick Robertson saw limited time on the penalty kill, while Robertson also participated in the top power play unit.

Berube commented on the intensity of preseason games, saying, "That’s what you get sometimes in pre-season games. It lacks intensity and that can drive a coach bananas."

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz had a solid start in his first preseason game but faced challenges as the game progressed. He allowed three goals on 18 shots, with mistakes from the team contributing to the scoring. Berube had considered playing Stolarz for the entire game but opted to let Artur Akhtyamov finish the third period. Stolarz remained unfazed by a collision in the crease, indicating he was ready to embrace the physicality of the game.

Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will face the Canadiens again in the regular season on Bay Street. Key players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Ivan Demidov will return for Montreal, while Toronto will have Matthews, Bobby McMann, and their regular fourth line in action. Joshua noted the skills of Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, who scored a power play goal against the Leafs, saying, "He’s really quick, agile and keeps you guessing. Good to see him tonight for some extra knowledge next time. We were a second or two late here or there, but we’ll sharpen up and be ready to go."