The Toronto Maple Leafs are under scrutiny as the team searches for consistency and an improved overall game, with captain Auston Matthews and star winger William Nylander at the forefront of the discussion. Recent performances and comments from head coach Craig Berube highlight the pressure on these key players to elevate their play and lead the team effectively.
Nylander's recent illness caused him to miss a morning skate ahead of a game against the Edmonton Oilers, raising concerns about his immediate availability and potential impact on the Leafs' offensive capabilities. Despite tallying a team-high 34 points in 27 games, Nylander's offensive output has dipped recently, with only two assists in his last six games. His absence or diminished performance can significantly affect Toronto's top-six forward group and power-play effectiveness. In late October, Nylander suffered an injury during a game against the Buffalo Sabres, prompting concerns from Matthews and highlighting the team's need to adapt when key players are sidelined.
Matthews, who is looked upon to be a leader, recognizes the need for the team's prominent figures to step up. Berube has directly challenged Matthews to improve his overall game, emphasizing that it's not solely about scoring goals. While Matthews has 13 goals in 26 games this year, after a career-high 69 goals in the 2023-24 season, his performance has not been at the level he or the team expects. The coach's comments came after a game against the Edmonton Oilers during which Nylander was benched for the final six and a half minutes, signaling a clear message about accountability. Matthews acknowledged the frustration and the responsibility that falls on the leaders to maintain a consistent effort throughout games.
Berube is experimenting with line combinations, including pairing Nylander and Matthews on the top line with Matthew Knies, hoping to spark better chemistry and offensive production. Matthews believes that his familiarity with Nylander's skill set and playmaking abilities could lead to increased scoring opportunities. However, the team's struggles extend beyond individual performances, as the Maple Leafs are currently struggling to limit opponents' offensive zone time, ranking near the bottom of the league in that category.
The Maple Leafs' struggles have put them in a precarious position in the Atlantic Division standings. With the playoffs a looming question, the team needs consistent performances from its key players and a collective effort to improve defensively. The message from Berube is clear: the time for improvement is now, and it's up to Matthews, Nylander, and the rest of the team to respond.
