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Atlantic Division Standings Have Leafs in Embarrassing Position to Begin the 2025-26 Season
Many expected the Maple Leafs to dominate in the Atlantic Division standings this season, but they're currently sitting 3rd, behind two very unlikely leaders.
It's still very early in the 2025-26 NHL season, but Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube is already shifting pieces around after a mediocre start to the year. Berube's early decisions include a controversial change to tonight's lineup.
The Leafs are 3-2-0 in their first five games, hardly a record to be getting nervous about, but a small dig into the details of those games, and the team does not look to be playing up to its potential.
There's also reason to be concerned over increased competition in the NHL's Atlantic Division, with the Red Wings and Canadiens as unlikely risers.
The Maple Leafs Aren't Looking as Good on the Ice as They Do on Paper
With the first five games now in the rearview, the Detroit Red Wings -- a team that did not make the playoffs last year -- and the Montreal Canadiens -- who limped into last year's post season -- sit atop the Atlantic Division with matching 4-1-0 records.
Two of Detroit's four wins so far have come against the Maple Leafs, which isn't a great look for a lineup like Toronto's in comparison.
The Maple Leafs Have a Roster Built to Win, But Still Searching for Form
Back-to-back Stanley Cup winners, the Florida Panthers are going to be missing their two top players for most of the season, while the previously dominant Tampa Bay Lightning are starting to age out.
This should have provided the Maple Leafs with an excellent opportunity to cement the team at the top of the division. But, it won't happen if Toronto's current up and down play continues.
The Maple Leafs have enough talent and depth on their roster to come out of the gate looking like contenders. It's not necessarily imperative that they do so, but it could go a long way in instilling some confidence in themselves, and at least a little fear in opposing teams.
It's too early to call on the team for more urgency, but a bit more jump would certainly be welcome to avoid being embarrassed by rebuilding teams like Montreal and Detroit as the season progresses.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 18 | 793 ANSWERS Atlantic Division Standings Have Leafs in Embarrassing Position to Begin the 2025-26 Season Should the Toronto Maple Leafs look better through their first five games of the season? | ||
| Yes | 508 | 64.1 % |
| No, they're fine | 214 | 27 % |
| I'm not sure | 71 | 9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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