Whether the defence or goaltending is the cause of the Leaf's problems lately has been a heated topic in many forums.
The defence is terrible; I will be the first to admit it. The defence is getting outworked in the corners. Their lack of toughness is a huge weakness. The forwards are getting lazy in their defensive zone coverage.
The team's collapses in the third period are almost comical. You know it's coming, but you don't know how they could possibly blow their lead this time. And then... they do.
Why is the defence having so many problems? I suggest it is the pressure of knowing that if they make one mistake, the puck will be in the net. Campbell and Mrazek don't have to be perfect, but they need to be consistently good. Right now, the Leafs need above-average goaltending. Campbell and Mrazek are not giving it to them.
If the Maple Leafs can find that extra stay-home dman and shore up their defence, that might be the answer. But the goaltending market is quite dry right now; I don't know if they will be able to acquire a goalie who is any better than they currently have.
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