Have Leafs hit their yearly slump?
Toronto Maple Leafs fans have some real cause for concern.
As of March 24, the Maple Leafs have lost five games in a row and have lost six of their last seven games. During this losing streak, they have held a lead for only 2:50 minutes. This is during more than 300 minutes of play.
The Leafs were as hot as any team in the NHL before the Olympic break. They have now slipped into the last playoff spot and are clinging to a one-point lead for their playoff berth.
This losing streak could be a death blow.
There are a lot of different story lines that have made this slide for the Maple Leafs so terrifying for a fan of the team.
Bernier has been hurt with a lower-body injury. Lower-body injuries on goaltenders can mean anything from missing one game to missing the rest of the season. These injuries are a fickle thing for goalies. While the team's No. 1 goalie was on the ice practising March 19, his groin appeared to be giving him issues, which will give the team some cause for concern.
As well as Bernier being hurt, Coach Randy Carlyle seems to have created a significant rift between himself and backup goaltender James Reimer. Anyone who has ever coached beyond the recreational level of sport understands that part of the coach's role is to create an environment that allows the athletes to succeed.
By calling out Reimer, especially when he is your only option in net, isn't Carlyle handicapping his team?
This could be the most crucial part of the season for the Maple Leafs. They are rapidly losing their playoff point cushion. Their No. 1 goaltender is injured, and their backup goalie seems to have lost the faith of the head coach.
Add to this, top-scorer Phil Kessel seems to have hit his yearly slump and we have a recipe for disaster.
Not all is lost, though.
Everything I just stated can be reversed quickly by one really good game.
Reimer getting a hard-earned shutout, Bernier returning from injury or Kessel having a good game and scoring one, two, or more goals.
The situation is uncertain. But what is certain, is that the Leafs need to up their performance during this last stretch before the playoffs, or there are going to be some tough questions that need answering.
Post a Comment for "Have Leafs hit their yearly slump?"