RALEIGH, N.C. — We’re not even one-tenth of the way through the Maple Leafs’ 2021-22 campaign, but the season already feels much longer than that.
An early-season four-game losing streak isn’t only cause for concern. It also has some in the fan base smashing the panic button.
I’m an optimist by nature, but given how lackadaisical the Leafs looked at times not just in their 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday but also over the past week, it’s hard not to wonder: How much panic surrounding this team is warranted?
Let’s dive into some of the more pressing causes for alarm with the Leafs right now.
The Leafs’ top scorers are … not scoring
Through seven games, John Tavares and Mitch Marner have combined for a measly three even-strength points. Auston Matthews has one point in four games.
William Nylander is tied for the team lead with just three even-strength points.
When a team is as top-heavy as the Leafs are, top players going cold will have serious ripples.
The lack of offence from those expected to produce seems, at least on paper, to be one of the most concerning elements of this slide.
Still, it was hard to overlook that, Monday in Raleigh, Tavares hit a post in the second period after a long look, and Nylander then did the same in the third period.
