Atlantic Division Snapshot: Nov. 23: Maple Leafs at the Bottom
After 22 games (or 23 for Boston), the Atlantic is already showing some interesting patterns. Detroit leads the pack with 27 points — not because they’re dominating offensively (GF 66, GA 70, -4 differential), but because they’ve been remarkably efficient in close games. Tampa Bay isn’t far behind with 26 points, riding a combination of disciplined play and depth scoring; its +6 goal differential is the strongest in the top tier. Ottawa also has 26 points, carving out space with strong performances both at home and on the road, showing that they’re no longer an afterthought in the division.
Boston sits on 26 points as well but is barely above .500 in goal differential (74 GF / 74 GA), a reminder that record alone doesn’t tell the full story. Montreal is holding at 25 points, Florida at 23. Both teams have posted uneven results and raised questions about consistency. Buffalo, despite Sunday’s win, is still under .500 at 22 points and struggling in divisional play, but there are glimpses of what could be a turnaround.
And then there are the Maple Leafs.
More About The Surprisingly Poor Maple Leafs
Toronto sits at 21 points — eighth in the Atlantic — with a -8 goal differential (74 GF, 82 GA). Their record is telling: 9-10-3, with most of their success at home (8-4-3) and an abysmal road record (1-6-0). They’ve won just three of their last ten games and are coming off back-to-back losses. It’s not just the points — it’s the pattern of performance. The Maple Leafs are being outscored in critical moments, losing leads, and struggling to get consistent contributions from key players.
The underlying story here isn’t panic, but it is concerning: the Maple Leafs are not controlling games the way a team of their talent should. Their goal differential of -8 is the worst in the top eight, and their 10.9% playoff odds (according to MoneyPuck) are already reflecting the uncertainty around performance and injuries. This is a team that, on paper, should be contending for the division, yet they’re hovering closer to the middle of the pack in reality.
What It All Means After 22 Games in the Atlantic Division
The Atlantic is proving that consistency wins out early in the season. Teams like Detroit and Tampa Bay might not be flashy, but they are steady. Ottawa’s quietly competitive record shows the Senators are still building momentum. For Toronto, the lesson is obvious: talent alone won’t carry them. If this trend continues, the Maple Leafs might find themselves scrambling for a playoff spot despite high expectations to start the season.
The Maple Leafs are at a turning point under coach Craig Berube. There are cracks on this team: the crease is a problem, the secondary scorers aren’t carrying their weight, and the system could use a serious rethink if they want to climb back toward the top. In the meantime, the Atlantic Division is a reminder that nothing comes easy. Early standings can fool you, and teams like Detroit and Ottawa are quietly making their case: grit, consistency, and a willingness to grind it out still beat flash and star names when it comes to winning hockey games.