Could Better Days Be Ahead After a Difficult Maple Leafs

Six straight losses aren't exactly what the Toronto Maple Leafs had in mind for November. But sometimes, even during a losing streak, there's a reason to believe things might be about to change. Saturday's 1-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers might have provided one.

The Maple Leafs didn't win, and that's becoming a serious problem. But they played a much more disciplined game, defended well, and gave themselves a chance against one of the NHL's better teams. Anthony Stolarz was excellent, and Toronto competed right down to the final seconds. It wasn't enough, but it was something to build on.

Can things turn around? The schedule finally gives Toronto a little breathing room. The Maple Leafs face Chicago, Los Angeles, and Columbus next week. None of those games will be easy, but they're opportunities to start changing the conversation around this team.

Sometimes a Change of Scenery Is Exactly What a Team Needs.

There's something to be said for playing a difficult stretch of hockey and then getting an opportunity to catch your breath. Toronto just faced six opponents during its homestand and came away with absolutely nothing in the standings. That can wear on a team, particularly one that already seems to be searching for confidence.

The next three games offer a different kind of challenge. Instead of facing some of the league's strongest teams, the Maple Leafs will have opportunities to play opponents they should feel confident about beating. That's an important difference. Winning one game doesn't solve everything, but it can change the atmosphere in a dressing room. Sometimes players need to see a few things go right before they start trusting their game again.

The Maple Leafs Need More Than Just a Softer Schedule.

Coach Jim Hiller has talked about taking responsibility, continuing to work, and finding a way through the difficult stretch. That's fine, but the players need to turn those words into results. Saturday's effort against Edmonton suggests they might be getting closer. The defensive commitment was better, Stolarz gave them a chance, and the lineup showed more urgency throughout. Now they need to carry that into the next game.

I'm not suggesting the Maple Leafs are suddenly going to turn everything around. Six straight losses have exposed some real problems. But perhaps better days are ahead if they can use this next stretch to rediscover some confidence.

Three games won't define their season, but they could help determine whether the Maple Leafs are finally heading in the right direction. Sometimes getting back on track starts with simply remembering how good winning feels.