The Toronto Maple Leafs’ season could already be over. Entering the year with high expectations of winning the Atlantic Division again and competing for the Stanley Cup, the team has instead struggled out of the gate, finding itself in a hole early on.
Currently, the Maple Leafs are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. One rival NHL executive described the team as poorly constructed, while another expressed concern that Toronto’s season might already be in jeopardy. “Leafs are in trouble,” he mused.
Toronto’s record stands at 8-9-2, giving them the second-worst performance in the Eastern Conference. Although it is still early in the season, the Maple Leafs are now four points out of a playoff spot and face the daunting task of passing six teams to secure a playoff berth—an uphill battle to say the least.
### Analyst Explains Why Maple Leafs Could Be in Trouble
James Mirtle, a Maple Leafs analyst for The Athletic, believes the slow start could signify deeper issues within the team. He points out that Toronto’s schedule to begin the season was relatively easy and that most games have been played at home.
“As bad as the Leafs have looked through 18 games, they’re still only two points out of a wild-card spot and, incredibly, four back of Montreal, Boston and Ottawa for the Atlantic Division lead,” Mirtle wrote.
He added, “It will likely still take around 95 points to make the playoffs, which means Toronto will need a record equivalent to 38-25-1 the rest of the way to get there.”
Mirtle also noted that the Maple Leafs have already played one-third of their home schedule and faced the easiest opponents league-wide so far. “Things are about to get more difficult as they start to head on the road and face more playoff teams night after night. And these Leafs have hardly looked like a group up for that challenge so far. Especially considering the results have gotten uglier as the season has worn on.”
While the Maple Leafs have the talent to go on a lengthy winning streak, this current squad hasn’t shown they can do so. If Toronto hopes to make the playoffs, they need to start turning things around—and soon.
### Craig Berube Believes Toronto is ‘Unconfident’
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has pointed to a lack of confidence as a key factor behind the team’s slump. After a recent game on Saturday, Berube acknowledged that the team isn’t playing up to its potential.
“We’re just a little bit unconfident, I’d say, right now,” he said. “But got to get through that, because we got the leads. And we have an opportunity to close this game out, win it. And we get a power play in the third, and we don’t do anything with it either.”
When asked how he plans to help the Maple Leafs regain their confidence, Berube was uncertain. “That’s a good question,” he replied. “I mean, I got to motivate them the best way I can. And maybe it’s a kick in the ass. But maybe it’s positive reinforcement, too.”
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The coming weeks will be crucial for the Maple Leafs as they face tougher opponents and look to regain their footing in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this talented group can overcome their struggles and turn the season around.
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