The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost two games in a row, John Tavares is out and all hell has broken loose.
Don’t you think we should give the Toronto Maple Leafs a bit more time before bringing the stress upon us?
From the start of the season, to right now, the Maple Leafs have won five games and lost six (one in overtime, one in shootout).
While they’re officially under .500, they’re still 3rd in the Atlantic and in a playoff spot.
The team hasn’t played its best hockey and I understand, but to cast the blame on Mike Babcock or anything else is a little premature.
Toronto is without three key players, Zach Hyman, Travis Dermott and now Tavares. Of course they’re not going to be the best team without them, so be patient.
It could be said that in the recent days Babcock’s seat has gotten warmer and warmer, but why?
Yes – the lack of shaking up the lineup could be a factor, or even the fact that he cannot try and start Frederik Andersen on the second-half of a back-to-back.
I believe his seat should become warmer if the team doesn’t do well when everyone’s present.
What to blame it on?
There’s been a lot of chatter about the Toronto Maple Leafs defense, and that it needs to be better.
It’s been an issue since the start of the season, and now they lead the league in goals against with 40. A quarter of those goals were conceded on the 2nd half of a back-to-back.
12 is the exact number.
The defensive play has been questionable on some goals, others are just unlucky and they’re not being stopped.
But to be stressed about this team, this early into the season is ridiculous.
There have been problems that haven’t been solved, leads that have been given up and way too many goals scored against early in games. But, that needs to be fixed within.
Babcock and the rest of the coaching staff need to find a way. It’s unacceptable that it’s gone on for this long and it has to stop.
It’s also been a tough start of the season. Already having two back-to-backs and another one this week.
To believe that this team isn’t a cup contender, or to go as far as saying this team isn’t a playoff lock, which some of the media has been saying is preposterous.
Wait until Hyman, Tavares and Dermott return and then, if they play horrible, I’d understand and I’d be stressed too.
But for now – relax, we’re 11 games into the season. I get why there’s stress and I feel it too, but just remind yourself that the full team isn’t there. Once they are, then feel free to stress, yell and get mad.
Everybody is worried. Time heals all wounds and players who compliment each other will too, so sit back, get excited about having the full team back (I’m very excited) and if were 10-15 games into that and they’re playing sub .500 hockey, then yes, stress.
But, not yet.