Wednesday night’s 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers was significant for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who grabbed first place in the Atlantic Division and demonstrated their mental fortitude as the postseason looms. However, while the win was helpful, it highlighted several unresolved questions that could define the team’s playoff push. Injuries, defensive depth, and their ability to perform under pressure all came into focus in this crucial game.
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With the playoffs officially secured, the Maple Leafs are uniquely positioned to prepare for the challenges ahead, but the road to success remains fraught with pitfalls. What are some of these?
Pitfall 1. The Big Win, But at What Cost?
The victory over Florida was essential for Toronto’s psyche. The Panthers were missing key players like Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, and Matthew Tkachuk, which certainly made their physical game more dangerous without the risk of injuring their stars. Florida registered 39 hits, including 21 in the first period alone. The Maple Leafs responded with 25 hits, but none were aimed at the Panthers’ top players. It’s important to acknowledge that Toronto came through when it counted, but the game would have been a downer had they lost.
More pressing, however, are the injuries sustained during the game. David Kampf left with an upper-body injury, Oliver Ekman-Larsson briefly left after a hit but returned, and Jake McCabe suffered a collision with a linesman, leaving him listed as day-to-day. These injuries highlighted one of Toronto’s most significant concerns: its lack of defensive depth. This is especially worrisome as the team prepares for the grind of the playoffs.
Pitfall 2. Is Defensive Depth a Question Heading Into the Playoffs
The Maple Leafs have significant forward depth beyond their core four, with healthy scratches like Nicholas Robertson and the returning Max Pacioretty poised to step in. However, they are facing a critical weakness when it comes to defense, and they cannot afford injuries to any of their top blueliners—McCabe, Ekman-Larsson, Morgan Rielly, or Brandon Carlo—without seriously jeopardizing their playoff run.
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While players like Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers have been solid contributors, they are far from the caliber of Toronto’s top-six defensemen. Beyond them, the options are slim, with Matt Benning (currently injured), Dakota Mermis, and Marshall Rifai all representing considerable downgrades. If one of Toronto’s core defenders suffers an injury, the team will need someone from the depth pool to step up dramatically — an unlikely scenario, given the talent gap.
This lack of defensive depth could be a significant roadblock for the team’s playoff hopes. Injuries are inevitable with the physicality expected in the postseason, and the Maple Leafs’ lack of reliable options could haunt them.
Pitfall 3. In a Deep Playoff Run, Can Toronto Handle the Pressure?
The win against the Panthers showed that the Maple Leafs’ top players — Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares — can rise to the occasion. Matthews assisted on Marner’s game-tying goal, and then Marner fed Matthew Knies for the game-winner. These three players also stayed out for the final two minutes, blocking shots and fighting to protect the lead. But in the postseason, mental toughness is just as important as physical ability, and the Maple Leafs will need their leaders to be even more resilient.
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For years, Toronto’s playoff performances have been marred by inconsistency, with their stars sometimes unable to rise to the occasion. This season, the pressure will be greater than ever. As a result, Toronto must prove they are mentally prepared to handle the high stakes. The real test comes when the intensity reaches its peak. Will their top players, who have shown flashes of brilliance this season, be able to deliver when it matters most? The next few weeks are critical for establishing a playoff mindset.
Pitfall 4. In the Battle for First, Is Home-Ice Advantage Worth the Push?
While clinching a playoff spot is a significant accomplishment, the Maple Leafs now face a balancing act. They hope to finish first in the Atlantic Division for home-ice advantage. At the same time, the team needs to manage player health and rest. Head coach Craig Berube has downplayed the importance of winning the division, suggesting that getting healthy for the playoffs is more crucial. Yet, the value of home-ice, especially for the first two rounds, cannot be understated.
Toronto’s remaining games, including back-to-back rematches against the Panthers and Lightning in Florida, will determine their final standings. A strong finish could give them a slight edge (and considerable confidence) come playoff time. Still, they must carefully weigh the potential benefit of home ice against the risks of injuries. For a team with limited defensive depth, the priority must be health.
Looking Ahead: Does the Playoff Season Start Now?
With the playoff spot officially secured, the Maple Leafs can shift their focus to preparing for the real challenges of postseason hockey. However, there is no denying that several key questions remain unanswered: Can the team overcome their defensive vulnerabilities? Will their top players deliver when the intensity of the postseason ramps up? Can they get healthy without sacrificing too much ground in the standings?
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The team has over two weeks to address these issues before the playoffs begin. Whether through getting healthy, fine-tuning their game, or making a move to shore up defensive depth, the team must make the most of this time. The real season is about to begin, and the answers to these questions will determine whether the Maple Leafs’ playoff journey is a success or another missed opportunity.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]
