The Toronto Maple Leafs have some serious work to do
Despite finishing with back-to-back losses, the Toronto Maple Leafs played about 55 minutes of good hockey in both contests against the Philadelphia Flyers and Colorado Avalanche. While there are lots of positives to take away from each game, the time for moral victories has run out.
The best players on this team have been unable to come through and make big plays when needed, and that has been a direct reflection of their recent struggles. We need a goalscoring explosion from Auston Matthews, or some more overall production from Morgan Rielly, whatever it may be, it needs to happen soon.
The Leafs have some much needed rest before going back at it on Saturday in St. Louis, which is the first of a four game road trip which could seriously urge some more change to come in the organization if all goes wrong.
Toronto has not performed well on the road so far, as they currently sit with a 6-9 record and have averaged four goals against in games outside of their building. As playoff hopes have began to come into question, this road trip is the perfect opportunity to start stringing together some statement wins against some of the stronger teams in the league.
(All Stats Courtesy of NHL.com and Hockey-Reference.com)