Well, that will pretty much do it for Toronto’s chances of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With 29 games left, the Leafs find themselves eight points out of a playoff spot following their sloppy 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Obviously, we weren’t in the best of moods to kick off the Wednesday edition of Leafs Morning Take. In a two week span, the Leafs went from the hottest team in the NHL to one of the coldest. That was a BRUTAL homestand, there’s no other way to put it. They went 0-4-1 and were outscored 25-12, effectively killing any chances they had of getting to the post-season for a 10th consecutive campaign. Instead, with 10 games to go until the trade deadline, there’s been a lot of chatter about Brad Treliving becoming a seller. Rest assured, we covered all avenues on this show.
Firstly, we started by issuing an important clarification. There was a narrative that came out of the Marner homecoming that was false. Auston Matthews never refused to do media on Friday. He was never requested. We thought it was important to be accountable and clarify that. At any rate, the Leafs failed to rise up for a game on a night where the organization honoured Darryl Sutter for the 50 year anniversary of his incredible 10 point outing. Buffalo’s just a better team —plain and simple.
So, where do the Leafs go from here? That was a big question we debated. For us, it starts at the top. We need to hear from Keith Pelley. What’s the President of MLSE thinking? Before they do anything, the Leafs need to decide if Brad Treliving’s here to stay. Of course, behind the scenes, you would think that plan’s already in motion, or at least being discussed. Once they figure that out, the rest will fall into place. What a disaster. We covered everything from that to potentially trading star players to if Berube should stick around.
Speaking of Berube, he called out his team’s defensive play and goaltending after the game. And, rightfully so. Carter Hutton agreed. The former NHLer and Daily Faceoff analyst brought the heat as he stopped by for another appearance to evaluate this sinking ship. Hutton hit on Berube’s comments, how he would take them if he was Joseph Woll, and what the Leafs should do – crease-wise – between now and the trade deadline. Hutts also hit on what sell-mode should look like for Treliving and company. See you later, Bobby McMann?
And so, the Leafs are headed to Seattle where they will be play the first of four road games prior to the Olympic break. Join us for the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take as we tee that one up. Also, 2009 Stanley Cup champion head coach Dan Bylsma will drop by the show to weigh in on this disaster.
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