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Maple Leafs’ Defensive Spiral Deepens After Home Skid, Raising Questions Over Berube’s System

Analysts say a promised defensive structure has not taken hold.

Overview

  • Toronto dropped consecutive home games to the Bruins and Hurricanes, conceding 10 goals and getting heavily outshot across both contests.
  • Carolina generated 89 shot attempts to Toronto’s 36 in the latest loss, highlighting prolonged zone time and repeated odd-man rushes against.
  • Through roughly 16 games, the Leafs remain erratic with a negative goal differential and are tracking toward a wild-card fight rather than Atlantic control.
  • Special teams have sagged from last season, with the power play down to about 17.1% and low shot volume on the man advantage after ranking far stronger a year ago.
  • MoneyPuck data shows Toronto leading the league in giveaways, including a high share in the defensive zone, as goaltending wobbles with Anthony Stolarz pulled and Dennis Hildeby battling a barrage of rush chances while stars like William Nylander and Auston Matthews continue to produce.