There have been some disturbing trends with the Maple Leafs lately. Do we blame the offence for the lack of scoring of late, or is the defence just weak?
I personally think it is a little of both. Or is it the system? It sure seems like the Leafs go into this defensive shell and take their foot off the gas pedal. They seem to be afraid of making mistakes with the lead. When you play like you are trying not to lose, that is what happens — you lose. The Leafs have to play like they are tied or behind all the time.
The lack of being able to put a team away is very puzzling. Think of about the offence the Leafs have on the roster. There's this Matthews guy, and then there is JVR, Nylander, and many more. The tightness on the sticks has to loosen up. What do I mean? The Leafs have to go back to the basics. Go to the net, shoot more, and most important, want it more than the other team.
If this game were based on talent, the Maple Leafs would one of the best teams in the league. But it isn't. It is based on heart and hard work. The Golden Knights are the proven example of that. There is no other team that outworks the Knights. The Leafs have to get back to hard work. Defense first and the offence will take care of itself. They have to work as a unit and not as individuals. Lately, the Leafs have had too many me's and not enough we on the roster.
I am looking at Kadry and Bozak here. They have to become the leaders of this team. They have to start working. Take out the garbage. There can be no passengers on this team. The Leafs have to realize that they can't win on their looks; it will take hard work. There are no easy wins in this league. The time for playing is now.
Andersen was right in speaking out on this team. The Leafs have taken to many periods off, especially in the third. It is time to stand up and start working as a unit. Boy, I'd give anything for some muscle right now.
Randy
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