Toronto Maple Leafs fans got a bold promise from the team’s new boss on Wednesday, but they might need more than just words to turn this season around.
Keith Pelley, who runs Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, tried to reassure fans by pointing to the team’s impressive nine-year playoff streak – the longest current run in the NHL.
“We’re proud of making the playoffs nine straight times,” Pelley said. “But that’s not enough anymore. We’ll do whatever it takes to get to the next level.”
It’s a nice thought. But here’s the reality: the Leafs are struggling.
They’re sitting in seventh place in the Atlantic Division with a 27-21-9 record and 63 points. That puts them outside the playoff picture right now.
The math isn’t looking great either. They’re six points behind the last wild card spot and nine points out of automatic qualification in their division.
William Nylander has been on fire, putting up 52 points in 40 games. Auston Matthews (48 points in 51 games), John Tavares (47 in 57 games), and Knies (46 in 54 games) are doing their part too.
But that’s where the good news ends.
The team’s biggest problem? They’re top-heavy. After those star players, the scoring drops off dramatically.
TSN’s number crunchers give Toronto just a 15-18% chance of making the playoffs this year. That’s a pretty scary thought for a team that hasn’t missed the postseason since 2013.
“Being part of Leafs Nation is an honor,” Pelley said. “We won’t stop until we bring a championship to Toronto.”
Nice words, but they won’t fix the roster problems. If anything, they just add more pressure on General Manager Brad Treliving and his team to make something happen – and fast.
The clock is ticking on Toronto’s playoff streak, and it’s going to take more than promises to keep it alive.
