If the Maple Leafs Can’t Score, What’s Down the Road?

The Toronto Maple Leafs can’t score. Their offensive struggles continued as they lost 3-1 to the Minnesota Wild. Even worse, Wednesday night was their third straight loss and (of course) raises two questions. First, why can’t they score more than a single goal? Second, when will they ever break out of their scoring slump?

It isn’t as if the team didn’t have its chances; it just couldn’t capitalize on them. How bad has the Maple Leafs offense been? They have scored only three goals in three games. Such spotty production sure isn’t enough to win in today’s NHL.

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Three Thoughts About the Maple Leafs Lack of Success

Here are three key takeaways from the game and what needs to change.

Thought One: The Maple Leafs Continue to Lapse on Defense and Miss Chances

Coach Craig Berube highlighted the defensive mistakes that contributed to the loss. The Maple Leafs allowed the first goal after a failed battle below the goal line. The team’s luck was also bad. A tipped puck on the Wild’s power play doubled the Wild lead. With the Maple Leafs unable to find the back of the net, defensive miscues—like not blocking shots—also cost them chances to put up a decent fight. As Berube pointed out, the team must block shots with more than just their sticks. Oh, if everyone were Chris Tanev. These are errors the team needs to clean up. They might be small, but they are costly.

Thought Two: The Maple Leafs Struggled in Their Offensive Zone

Offensively, the Maple Leafs generated plenty of shots. But shots and scores are two different things. The team has to put pucks on the net. They didn’t.

The team’s offense was lackluster. Their power-play chances went unconverted, and they continued to be unable to capitalize on scoring chances. Auston Matthews and William Nylander have been trying to lead, but as Berube noted, the team has to “stick with the plan” and not get discouraged by the lack of immediate results. With only 3.04 goals per game on average, the Maple Leafs need to figure out how to break these dry spells.

Thought Three: Morgan Rielly’s Struggles Continue

Defenseman Morgan Rielly has been key to the Maple Leafs’ offensive game for many seasons. For some reason, he’s going through a rough patch. With just two points in his last 11 games and a minus-18 rating for the season, Rielly’s difficulties are becoming more apparent. Rielly and the coaching staff recognize that he needs to improve, and Berube emphasized that it’s not just on Rielly to turn things around. It’s about the team finding consistency and support for their struggling blueliner.

What Needs to Change for the Maple Leafs to Be Competitive?

The Maple Leafs face an uphill battle with offensive and defensive inconsistencies. To get back on track, the team must find a way to break their offensive slump, especially with key players like John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Anthony Stolarz expected to return soon.

With the looming trade deadline, the Maple Leafs must decide whether to add offensive firepower and address their defensive liabilities. The upcoming road trip could allow the team to bond, regroup, and refocus ahead of a crucial stretch run to the playoffs. If they can’t, it will become four losses in a row when they meet the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

Related: Could the Maple Leafs Make a Move for Mason McTavish?