"We've hit the finger-pointing stage of grief as Leafs Nation tries to cope with this unsettling 2025-26 season. We covered a variety of different angles to kick off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take. Firstly, we discussed optics. They're celebrating in Ottawa after their big win over Colorado. Not only have the Senators and Leafs played the same number of games, but they have the same amount of points. Optics."
"At any rate, the latest excuse making the rounds in this market is that MLSE President Keith Pelley fired a bunch of sports science / injury prevention people last summer. Yeah, like, they could have found a way to prevent Dakota Joshua's lacerated kidney. Every team in the NHL is banged up. Hockey's a physical sport. Jokes aside, everyone's looking for someone to blame."
"At any rate, the Leafs are in Seattle to kick off a four game road trip ahead of the Olympic break. Of course, they're coming off a disaster 0-4-1 homestand, which effectively killed their chances of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. With 29 games left, the Leafs are eight points out of a playoff spot. Anthony Stolarz is expected to get the call in goal."
The Toronto Maple Leafs are mired in a difficult 2025-26 season with growing finger-pointing and frustration across the fanbase. The team and Ottawa share identical games played and points, intensifying optics and comparisons. Questions swirl about roster support after MLSE reportedly cut sports science and injury-prevention staff last summer, while injuries such as Dakota Joshua's lacerated kidney have compounded problems. The Leafs begin a four-game road trip in Seattle following a damaging 0-4-1 homestand that all but ended playoff hopes; with 29 games remaining they sit eight points out. Anthony Stolarz is expected to start, and Dan Bylsma called a return to contention a difficult grind.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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