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Toronto Maple Leafs Lose More Than Just Heritage Classic

By Jeremy Ridgewell

HAMILTON, ONTARIO - MARCH 13: Petr Mrazek #35 of the Toronto Maple Leafs makes a save against Victor Olofsson #71 of the Buffalo Sabres in the second period during the Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field on March 13, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
HAMILTON, ONTARIO - MARCH 13: Petr Mrazek #35 of the Toronto Maple Leafs makes a save against Victor Olofsson #71 of the Buffalo Sabres in the second period during the Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field on March 13, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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On Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost more than just the Heritage Classic. They blew a perfect opportunity to move up in the Atlantic Division standings.

Going into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto was sitting just one point back of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Maple Leafs could have moved into second place in the Atlantic Division with a win. It would have been short-lived with Tampa winning later Sunday night, but it might have given the Toronto players a mental boost.

Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs did not win and are now three points back of the Lightning. Even more concerning is that the Boston Bruins are just two points behind Toronto. If the Maple Leafs continue to get sub-par results, it won’t be long until they’re fourth in the division.

One of the main reasons for Toronto’s recent poor performance is the play of Petr Mrazek. Unfortunately, he is not the only reason. Toronto’s defense finds themselves in a rut that they can’t escape from.

The Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Rethink and Retool.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas needs to rethink his plan for the March 21st NHL trade deadline. He has one week to retool this team into one that can compete in the NHL playoffs. Without better goaltending and better defense, the Maple Leafs will be looking at another first-round exit.

If Toronto gets eliminated in the first round yet again, I think it is time to fire Kyle Dubas. Whatever his overall plan is, it’s not working. The team shouldn’t have to try and score five or six goals a night to win games.

Acquiring at least two shutdown defensemen and a goaltender should be the top priority for Kyle Dubas this week. Keep Jake Muzzin on LTIR for the rest of the season and use that extra cap space to add what is needed. Toronto shouldn’t have many players on their untouchable list, so Dubas better be entertaining every option.

The team, as they currently are, will not win a first-round series against Florida, Tampa, or Boston. Hopefully, Dubas understands that and does whatever he can to improve his team. Ilya Lyubushkin has been a good addition, but he’s not enough.

Next. How to Make a Deadline Splash. dark

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some very important games against Tampa, Boston, and Florida coming up in their schedule. All of those games come after the trade deadline. They will each be a big test for Toronto. With one week left until the deadline, the clock is ticking for Dubas and the Maple Leafs.

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