Dallas Stars

Toronto’s 100 Meter Dash for Leafs with No Sense of Direction?

Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost their third in a row. Worse yet, they look confused doing it. What hurdles must the team overcome?

by
Old Prof
January 15, 2025

If you recall Monty Python’s Flying Circus, you might also remember their skit “The 100-meter Dash, for runners with no sense of Direction.” That’s how confused the Toronto Maple Leafs seemed after last night’s 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. It was Toronto’s first three-game regulation losing streak of the season. But it could get worse. There’s probably no one more interested in beating his former team than former head coach Sheldon Keefe. His New Jersey Devils are coming into town in two days. It isn’t getting any easier. If the Maple Leafs hope to turn things around, what are the three biggest hurdles they must overcome?

Hurdle One: The Maple Leafs Special Teams Are Struggling

The Maple Leafs’ special teams have been a source of frustration. Last night, the penalty kill fizzled. The PK gave two power-play goals. Given how well the PK has done this season, it’s like a different team is playing. The units were some of the best in the NHL, but no longer. And that’s unusual for a team that had been one of the league’s best.

Probably worse is the lack of production on the power play. The phrase “rough patch’ doesn’t come close to describing it. If hitting the post counted, the Maple Leafs might have won going away. Alas, it doesn’t. The simple fact is that the Maple Leafs can’t convert. As the Maple Leafs currently stand, missed opportunities have become a trend.

As is becoming his way, head coach Craig Berube erred on the side of the obvious when he emphasized the need for better execution. It should be no surprise that winning special teams battles is crucial. It also seems evident that if the team doesn’t improve in this area, they’ll find themselves on the wrong side of close games.

Hurdle Two: The Top Maple Leafs Players Not Leading the Team

The Maple Leafs’ star players—Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander—are not leading the team. Yes, Matthews pushed his point streak to 12 games. However, that’s about all he did on the night. The rest of the core group struggled to generate any offense against the Stars. That’s three games in a row the team hasn’t shown well.

None of the core players had more than two shots on the net. And when the Stars moved ahead by more than one goal, the loss seemed inevitable. If they were in a spelling bee, they would have had to sit down on the word “pushback.” The lack of impact from the team’s most talented players was a key reason for the loss.

Hurdle Three: The Maple Leafs Lacked Consistent Execution and Clutch Play

Another major issue for the Maple Leafs has been the team’s inconsistent execution. Despite having good looks, the team failed to capitalize when it mattered, especially in the third period. Their offensive play has been lackluster, with a difference between puck movement and goal-scoring.

While they’ve generated opportunities, the finish has been missing. This inability to execute—whether on the power play, in the neutral zone, or during critical moments—has become a significant struggle. Regaining their winning form will be a tough challenge without addressing this lack of sharpness.

How Can the Maple Leafs Recover from Their Funk?

The Maple Leafs’ struggles have highlighted key weaknesses that need quick attention. If they want to remain competitive, some fixes are necessary. First, the team must improve its special teams play. Second, the team’s top players must be the top players.

Every player must take a deep breath and wade into the action. But the onus is on the big guys to do the heavy lifting. If the Maple Leafs are to pull out of their spin, the core players must pilot the reversal.