Leafs Coach Intervenes During Practice to Send a Clear Message to the D Corps

The Toronto Maple Leafs don't have a lot of runway left until the end of the season, and after being leapfrogged by both the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning recently in the Atlantic Division standings, they find themselves dangerously close to falling into a Wild Card spot.

The Leafs were at or near the top of the Atlantic Division for the vast majority of the season, but after losing 5 of their last 6 games, it's becoming evident that there are some fundamental problems that need addressing.

During Monday's practice, Leafs assistant coach Mike Van Ryn held an impromptu meeting with the team's entire D corps in an attempt to wake up the group ahead of what may be viewed by some as a must-win matchup against the Flames with the Ottawa Senators nipping at their heels, just 4 points back with an equal number of games remaining.

Brandon Carlo might be the only bright spot on the D corps over the last 5 games. Chris Tanev only recently returned from a concerning injury, and still may need a little time to get his timing back. Morgan Rielly has just flat out not been good.

This group needs a jolt in a big way, and perhaps Van Ryn addressing the group as an entire unit on Monday will serve as a bit of a wake-up call with the playoffs looming.