"After a six-game point streak helped them climb the Eastern Conference standings, the Toronto Maple Leafs were brought back to reality with a humbling no-show loss against the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Craig Berube didn't shy away from calling out his team's leaders in the aftermath, making it clear that more is expected. Now, with momentum gone and little margin for error in an ever-tightening standings, the Maple Leafs turn their attention to a critical matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, knowing another loss could send them tumbling back toward the basement of the conference."
"Injury Report Benefits Leafs The Maple Leafs received positive news on the injury front during Monday's practice as defenseman Chris Tanev was paired with Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Despite Tanev taking regular reps, Berube later ruled out a potential return versus the Blackhawks; however, Chicago will be without superstar Connor Bedard, which is hugely advantageous to the Leafs. Bedard, fourth in NHL scoring with 44 points in 31 games, sustained an upper-body injury in a recent game against the St. Louis Blues and is expected to be sidelined through December."
"It does appear that goaltender Joseph Woll, who has played well, is set to return from his lower-body injury. Based on the practice line combinations, the Leafs' stars will have no excuses if they underperform against the Blackhawks. Berube loaded up the team's first line with Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies. The first power-play unit reverted to those three, plus John Tavares and Morgan Rielly. Matthews has struggled to get going all season and has yet to have one of his patented hot streaks. A significant drop in production has countered his strong defensive game. He has 13 goals and 21 points in 26 games, well below his career averages."
The Toronto Maple Leafs' six-game point streak ended with a lopsided loss to the Edmonton Oilers, prompting coach Craig Berube to publicly demand more from team leaders. The team faces a crucial game against the Chicago Blackhawks with momentum stalled and little margin for error in a close Eastern Conference. Injuries shifted lineups: Chris Tanev practiced with Oliver Ekman-Larsson but was ruled out for the Chicago game, while Chicago will be without Connor Bedard through December. Joseph Woll appears likely to return. Berube stacked the top line with Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Matthew Knies and reloaded the first power play, leaving the Leafs' stars no room for excuses.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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