After an embarrassing 5-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to turn things around when they host the struggling Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. Yet again, the Maple Leafs squandered a lead against the Predators, giving up five unanswered goals in the second period. The loss ended their three-game winning streak.
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The defeat highlighted some glaring mental mistakes, with ex-captain John Tavares and head coach Craig Berube accepting that the team played far below its standard. Tavares emphasized, “We should be pissed off.” Once again, they had failed to close out a game after a strong start. Toronto must eliminate those mental lapses and return to its consistent, high-level play against the Flyers.
The Flyers, on the other hand, are reeling after a 7-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. It was their fifth straight defeat. With only 65 points on the season, Philadelphia has lost 10 of its last 11 games. It has been a tough stretch, and they must find a way to turn things around if they want a chance against the Maple Leafs.
Item One: Can Scott Laughton Get Going Against His Old Team?
Scott Laughton‘s time with the Maple Leafs has yet to yield positive results, despite the high expectations following his arrival after the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Traded from the Flyers in exchange for Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional 2027 first-round pick, Laughton has yet to record a point in his first eight games with Toronto. What’s the deal with his adjustment to his new role? Is he pressing too hard to prove himself?
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Tonight’s game will have an interesting storyline, with Laughton facing his former team for the first time since the trade. A Toronto native, Laughton played his entire career (661 games) with the Flyers, scoring 106 goals and 159 assists (for 265 points) before he joined the Maple Leafs. Laughton admitted that this game will “feel weird and emotional.” He’ll focus on getting the win. A game against the Flyers could be a perfect chance for Laughton to break out of his slump and contribute to the Maple Leafs’ push for an Atlantic Division title.
Item Two: Why Fans Appreciate John Tavares
I reviewed some recent comments by The Hockey Writers’ readers yesterday. Readers have come to appreciate Tavares this season. They noted several reasons he remains a valuable player for the Maple Leafs. Despite being in his 30s, he has already reached the 30-goal mark in 2024-25. He still has plenty to offer. Many fans believe he should remain a Maple Leaf for years to come. His consistency, leadership, and skill make a strong case for keeping him beyond his current contract.
Tavares is known for his disciplined approach to fitness and lifestyle, avoiding the physical wear and tear associated with a more bruising style of play. Fans appreciate that he’s a family man who avoids the distractions often associated with being an NHL star. His dedication to staying healthy has contributed to his continued success, while his leadership on and off the ice has earned the respect of fans and teammates. Tavares remains a cornerstone for the Maple Leafs, from his faceoff success to his work along the boards and ability to score key goals. Fans hope he will continue playing a role in the team’s future. I agree.
Item Three: Luke Haymes Signs Two-Year Deal with Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs have signed forward Luke Haymes to a two-year contract that will take effect in the 2025-26 season. Haymes, 21, will join the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies on an amateur tryout for the remainder of this season. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound center from Ottawa, Ontario, is coming off an impressive final season at Dartmouth College, scoring 12 goals and six assists (for 18 points) in 22 games during the 2024-25 NCAA season.
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Interestingly, Haymes began his junior career as far west as one can go in Canada (on Vancouver Island) with the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). While my research didn’t help me explain why he moved so far west from his native Ottawa, Haymes committed to the Cowichan Valley Capitals for the 2021-2022 season.
We do know that the BCHL has a strong track record of developing players for collegiate hockey careers. During his 2021-22 junior season, when Haymes scored 49 points in 52 games, he moved to Dartmouth, an Ivy League school. His strong play makes him an intriguing prospect for the Maple Leafs as they look to bolster their depth.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
If the Maple Leafs want to win tonight, they’ll have to improve their defensive play and eliminate the odd-man rushes that hurt them against Nashville. With a high-powered offense led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, Toronto will look to exploit a Flyers defense that has struggled all season. The Maple Leafs have already won both games between the two teams this year. Philadelphia will need to find a way to break its losing streak if it wants to make an impact in Toronto.
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With the playoffs fast approaching, this seems like a must-win game for the Maple Leafs to get back on track and build momentum. Fans should expect a fired-up Toronto team eager to prove that Saturday’s loss was a temporary setback on their push for the Atlantic Division title.
