"After a 5-1-1 start to the new year, the Toronto Maple Leafs have lost four games in a row. Within that losing streak, there have been a number of off-ice distractions that have summed up the 2025-26 season. Auston Matthews is telling the media that it's "fun" to lose to Mitch Marner. William Nylander is flipping off the TV camera's. Meanwhile, head coach Craig Berube got into a gym accident that required 50 stiches to his face. Can we all just agree that this season might be cooked?"
"With five games in seven days against Buffalo, Seattle Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton before the Olympic break, we'll know whether or not the team has a chance at a playoff spot in one week. Toronto is only five points out of a playoff spot right now, but there are unfortunately seven teams within two points of them. Even if they go on a hot-streak, they'll need a ton of help from their opponents to make the post-season."
The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the new year 5-1-1 but then lost four straight games while enduring several off-ice distractions, including comments from Auston Matthews, William Nylander's gesture to cameras, and coach Craig Berube's gym accident requiring 50 stitches. All four losses came against playoff teams. The Leafs face five games in seven days against Buffalo, Seattle Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton before the Olympic break, creating a pivotal week. Toronto sits five points outside a playoff spot with seven teams within two points, meaning even a hot streak likely requires help from opponents. Missing the playoffs could preserve a top-five protected first-round pick.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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