"Obviously, as we sit here today, we are not where we wanted to be or where we envisioned we'd be. We have underperformed to this point, and I take full responsibility. I am in charge of the hockey department. I put the people in place on the ice and off the ice. The responsibility lies with me, and we start today - and every day - to try to get ourselves back up and going to improve where we are."
"Well, there are lots, right? As we sit here today, our record is indicative of how we've played. Obviously, we are in the results business, but there are nights when you play well and lose. There are nights when you just score more than the opponent, but you haven't played well. Far too often, even in games that we have won, we haven't won the game. Sometimes, we've scored more goals."
"I look at a couple of areas, in particular. We just have to play a more connected game, starting defensively. We have given up too much. That is on our whole group, from our goaltending through to our whole group. We have given up too much defensively. That wasn't this team last year, right? We are not playing connected, and when I talk about connected, it is on both sides of the puck."
Maple Leafs sit 8-9-2 and have underperformed relative to preseason expectations. Responsibility for roster construction and performance rests with hockey department leadership. The team has struggled to play a connected game, particularly on defense, and has surrendered too many chances and goals. Offensive output has produced goals but lacks consistent generation from structured play. Injuries to Chris Tanev, Anthony Stolarz, and Auston Matthews have affected lineup stability and contributed to uneven results. Coaching staff retains organizational confidence to correct course. Daily practice focus and adjustments aim to restore defensive structure, increase consistent offensive generation, and improve overall results.
Read at Maple Leafs Hotstove
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