Goodbye October, hello November.
All in all, it was an up-and-down first month of the 2024-25 regular season for the Maple Leafs.
In 11 games, they went 6-4-1, but as we know, it’s all about the process, right?
They’ve had some strong outings where they’ve looked like a perennial Stanley Cup contender. Then, they’ve also had a few games where they’ve looked like the same old disinterested Leafs.
So, which team are they? That’s the big question with November’s slate set to kick off in earnest on Saturday night in St. Louis.
Truth be told, my opinion on this team hasn’t wavered much since training camp. I expected some turbulence early on, and so far, there’s been plenty of that but also some strong points, too.
Simply put, Craig Berube’s version of the Leafs plays more like a hockey team and less like a group of individuals. And that’s not a shot at Sheldon Keefe. It was a time for a change. Playing this type of style will be more conducive to finding success in the postseason, I’m certain of it. It’s not the most flattering to watch, but at the end of the day, it’s all about structure and consistency, something this team has lacked for many years now.
From a player standpoint, for the first time in forever, it hasn’t been all about the four highest-paid players on the team. Make no mistake about it, they’ve produced and played well but it’s really felt like the supporting cast has been pulling their weight as well. The attack has been much more balanced, there’s no question about it.
In the crease, it’s hard not to feel optimistic about what’s been going on. Anthony Stolarz has been marvellous, Dennis Hildeby filled in admirably, and now Joseph Woll, who’s coming off a solid performance against Seattle, looks healthy and dialled in again, too. Needless to say, I feel really good about Toronto’s goaltending situation right now.
Having said all that, this team’s going nowhere if they can’t figure out this struggling power play. It’s been atrocious. They’re 0 for their last 14 and 3-for-33 on the campaign. When you have that much star power, that’s unacceptable. Plain and simple.
Let’s be honest, the sample size is relatively small, and at the end of the day, as usual, this team will be judged on what they do in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For me, it’s been a mixed bag thus far.
Thumbs in the middle.
