Maple Leafs News & Rumours: Hiller Sends a Message & Nylander Needs to Step Up

The Toronto Maple Leafs are running out of room for explanations. After a 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, the team has now played 20 games, and its record isn’t where anyone expected it to be. There have been some good stretches, but they haven’t translated into enough wins. That’s the part that matters.

Head coach Jim Hiller spoke after the game about the mistakes that cost Toronto, what he needs to see from William Nylander, and whether he still believes this group can turn things around. He wasn’t making excuses, and he wasn’t suggesting one player was responsible for everything. But there were a few things in his answers that Maple Leafs fans should pay attention to.

Hiller Says the Maple Leafs Have to Work Their Way Out

When Hiller was asked how the Maple Leafs can get themselves out of this slump, his answer was direct. “Work your way out. It’s the only way. You can’t hope. You can’t be average. You’ve got to work your way out. Every guy.”

There’s not much mystery in that message. Nobody is coming to rescue this team, and there isn’t one coaching adjustment that’s going to fix everything overnight. The players have to take responsibility, and they have to do it together.

Hiller also said he believes this group can get things turned around. He pointed out that the team has played some good hockey this season, including stretches against Colorado. But he wasn’t trying to hide from the results. In fact, he described them in pretty blunt terms: “Our results suck. You can write those stories. There’s no question, and we deserve that.”

I think that’s an important admission. Fans can appreciate a good stretch of hockey, but eventually the scoreboard has to show something for it. Hiller also went back to the sequence that led to Colorado’s winning goal, shortly after Jack Roslovic had tied the game. He said several players, including veterans, made poor decisions in a row. That’s something a team can’t afford, particularly when it’s already having trouble winning.

One bad read can happen. A teammate might be able to cover for it. But when several players make mistakes on the same play, somebody usually ends up paying for it. The Maple Leafs need to be sharper when the game is on the line.

Hiller Wants William Nylander to Be a Driver

Hiller was also asked about William Nylander’s play, and he didn’t pretend everything was fine. He knows what Nylander can bring. Hiller has seen enough of him to know there’s another level available. In fact, Nylander had played well last week when John Tavares returned.

“I know he can play better than he’s playing right now,” Hiller said. He added that Nylander’s line hasn’t been particularly good either, so he isn’t putting the entire problem on one player. Still, he expects more from one of the team’s most talented forwards.

“He’s a hell of a player, and he’ll get out of it. He’s got to be a driver for us.”

That last part is worth thinking about. The Maple Leafs need their best players to help change the direction of games, especially when the team is struggling. Nylander doesn’t have to carry the whole offence, but he does need to be a player who makes things happen.

Hiller also acknowledged that Toronto’s record through 20 games is deserved. He mentioned untimely penalties and other problems, but came back to the importance of staying together and continuing to work. He also explained that the coaching staff considered challenging Colorado’s second goal but decided the odds of getting it overturned weren’t high enough. It was a calculated decision, not something they simply overlooked.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

So where does this leave Toronto? Hiller still believes in the group, and he’s making it clear that he expects every player to contribute to getting things back on track. That’s reasonable. But belief has to turn into better hockey, and better hockey has to turn into wins.

The Maple Leafs don’t need another explanation for a loss. They need a stretch of games where they put the mistakes behind them, play with more consistency and give their fans something to feel good about. Hiller has made his expectations clear. Now it’s up to the players to show us what they can do.