As the Toronto Maple Leafs fell behind and eventually stumbled to the finish in likely their worst performance of the season - a 5-1 beatdown from the New York Islanders - the substandard ice quality in Brooklyn was a factor brought up among certain onlookers.

There is no doubt: the ice is an issue at Barclays Center, and one that obviously affects the Islanders most. But it in no way excuses Toronto's performance in the eyes of its head coach.

"No it isn't," Babcock said, rebuffing the suggestion that it was hard to mount a comeback with the poor ice conditions. "Let's not go there. This is on us."

Instead, Babcock said the reason the Leafs were outclassed on the second night of a back-to-back is they didn't have an entire roster "on board" and competing. He didn't point the finger, but admitted when asked that Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk - who were on for all four goals against at even strength - have to be a lot better.

"(They) gotta lead."

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