Are Leafs too messy – on the ice and behind the bench – to make playoffs?

They’re back to being entertaining as heck, but it’s hard to win allowing 3.38 goals per game.

By Matt Larkin · Daily Faceoff

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 1:58 PM

Key Things to Know

Matt Larkin questions whether Toronto's defensive disorganization and bench management could prevent them from reaching the playoffs.
The Maple Leafs blew a 4-2 third-period lead, falling 5-4 in overtime to the Buffalo Sabres.
Kirill Marchenko scored a hat trick, while Owen Power scored the overtime winner for Buffalo.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff questions whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are too disorganized defensively and tactically to make the playoffs. The concern follows a 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, in which Toronto surrendered a 4-2 third-period lead despite Kirill Marchenko scoring a hat trick.

The writer argues that Toronto's high-event style, defensive lapses, and questionable bench management by head coach Jim Hiller threaten their postseason viability. Larkin notes that Toronto sits 28th in expected goal differential and lost veteran forward John Tavares to an undisclosed injury during the collapse.

Read the full article on Daily Faceoff

Are Leafs too messy – on the ice and behind the bench – to make playoffs?

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