Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs' best effort of past two weeks results in 5-1 loss

"The Leafs showing up to the rink and getting massacred on the shot clock has become routine for the struggling franchise, even in the games they win. On Sunday night, the Leafs controlled possession for large portions of the game and actually ended up outshooting the Stars 28-20. Unfortunately, they didn't get the timely save from their goaltender and happened to run into one who was making all of them."

"They have one more game before Christmas, at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins, before the team will head home for a much-needed reset. It's reached the point of the season where you should probably keep your eyes peeled for a change of some sort, probably behind the bench if anything. Even if you think this isn't Berube's fault, the string of performances lately seems to indicate that the team's system is no longer working for the Maple Leafs,"

The Toronto Maple Leafs are at a season low after a 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, their third defeat in four nights. The Leafs controlled possession at times and outshot Dallas 28-20 but were undone by standout goaltending from Jake Oettinger. Scott Laughton scored following a penalty kill, but the Stars answered with an immediate insurance goal. Moral victories no longer suffice given the team's prolonged poor play. One more game before Christmas against the Pittsburgh Penguins precedes a needed reset. The performances have prompted speculation that a coaching or systemic change, possibly behind the bench, may be imminent.

Read at TheLeafsNation