The Leafs are the NHL's Hottest Team, But Still Gaining Little Ground Thanks to Atlantic Division Surge
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are an NHL-best 9-1-3 since December 23rd, and yet they're gaining no ground. The Atlantic Division's historic dominance is stalling Toronto's ascent and it's becoming frustrating.
For the Maple Leafs, erasing a two-goal deficit to steal a 4-3 OT win from the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday could be just the jolt the team needs to go on another run after dropping consecutive games to Utah and Vegas this week.
The Leafs have been rolling of late, led by captain Auston Matthews, who no longer looks like a shadow of his former self after scoring 10 goals in his last 11 games. He now looks like himself again, and his resurgence comes at a critical juncture of the 2025-26 season with so many Atlantic Division clubs currently surging.
The Leafs have collected 21 of a possible 26 points from December 23rd onward, and while you might think such a run could have rocketed the team up the standings, you'd be mistaken.
Atlantic Division Surge Nullifying Maple Leafs' Hot Stretch
The Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga has outlined just how unlucky the Leafs have been with their success. Why is a 9-1-3 record unlucky? Well, because the rest of the Atlantic Division is also red hot, as mentioned below:
The Atlantic Division has been a very top-heavy division for a number of years, often having 1 or 2 teams running away with the division. This year, however, 1st and 6th in the division are separated by just 6 points. There's a lot less room for error now, and the Leafs will have to remember that if they want to avoid another downward spiral.
The Leafs currently sit at 56 points, good for 6th in the Atlantic. They're immediate threats to overtake the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres in the Wild Card race, but would need to find a way to make up 3 wins to catch Tampa Bay and Detroit atop the division. The Lightning and Red Wings have 62 points apiece through 46 and 49 games, respectively.
If we're being honest with ourselves, Leafs Nation, it's a miracle that the Leafs are even in the race right now, given where they were a month ago. Poor play and a litany of injuries could have sealed the Leafs' fate early, but Craig Berube's club has shown no quit this season, and if they do end up clinching a playoff berth, the sky is the limit.
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