Comments from Leafs' Stecher, Rielly reveal what the team's mindset is versus Nashville
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski | Imagn Images
Comments from Leafs defensemen Morgan Rielly and Troy Stecher reveal what the temperature is like in the Maple Leafs' locker room.
Thursday's loss to the Washington Capitals was met with plenty of disgust from fans and media members, but it was what players like Oliver Ekman Larsson said to the media after the loss that really sparked the concern of real confidence issues within the Leafs' locker room.
"You don't get any points for looking good," said the Stanley Cup Champion Thursday night.
Leafs Still Reeling From Dismal Performance
Before heading to Nashville for a clash with the Predators on Saturday, the Leafs held a somber practice in Washington on Friday. There, head coach Craig Berube made some changes to his lines, but they may not be as drastic as some were expecting.
"Well, they're definitely down, right? They're not where they want to be, and neither are we as coaches," noted Berube before heading to Nashville.
Rough stretch testing the belief for Rielly, Stecher
The longest-tenured player for the Leafs, Morgan Rielly, has seen it all since being drafted by the club in 2012, but he has always had a belief in his teammates.
Unfortunately, Rielly's comments on Friday suggest that faith is being tested.
"It's constantly being tested, you know? It's a challenge, but it's extremely important to keep the belief and keep that mentality... But there are times where everyone has to look in the mirror and give more."
Stecher, on the other hand, felt as though Thursday's loss was rock-bottom for the Leafs.
"Since I've been here, I felt that last night was the first time where it felt like we kind of rolled over and died."
The 31-year-old went on to suggest the Leafs may have 'bigger problems' if they don't take to the ice on Saturday with more desperation than they showed on Thursday.
"If we're not desperate next game, then there's bigger problems."
While fans believe there are deeper issues already within the Leafs' dressing room, if they fail to play with the desperation Stecher is asking for on Saturday, it will only confirm that this team is not ready to contend.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 20 | 1041 ANSWERS Comments from Leafs' Stecher, Rielly reveal what the team's mindset is versus Nashville Do you believe there are already issues in the Leafs' dressing room? | ||
| Yes, Berube lost the room already | 786 | 75.5 % |
| No, they just aren't as good as we thought | 255 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||