The Toronto Maple Leafs sit at 14-11-5 this season, placing them fifth in the Atlantic Division. Their offense can produce standout moments, but lapses in critical situations have repeatedly cost them points.

A recent overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks highlighted a troubling pattern. With five losses after leading by multiple goals, the Leafs now lead the NHL in an unwanted stat, adding pressure as they approach their next game.

Leafs Struggle with Blown Leads After OT Loss to Sharks

Toronto’s 3-2 overtime loss to San Jose on Thursday added another frustrating chapter to their season. The Leafs built a 2-0 lead with goals from Dakota Joshua and Auston Matthews, but defensive mistakes allowed John Klingberg to tie the game late in the third period.

Alexander Wennberg then scored at 2:49 in overtime to seal the Sharks’ comeback. With this defeat, Toronto now has five losses after leading by multiple goals, the most in the NHL this season, surpassing all other teams. Sportsnet Stats highlighted this on X, pointing out the ongoing pattern from last season, when the Leafs only had four such losses.

“The 5 such losses lead the NHL,” Sportsnet Stats wrote on X.

Head coach Craig Berube addressed the team’s struggles after the game.

“Third period, we didn’t come out and dictate how to play the game, turned pucks over, were passive, you know, we didn’t, uh, finish him off in my opinion,” Berube said.

He also acknowledged the impact of losing key defensemen:

“It’s tough for sure. Critical position. We all know that. Need another guy to step up, play,” he added.

Berube also praised William Nylander’s individual efforts despite team struggles, noting,

“Well, it was the best game I’ve seen him (Nylander) play in a while. You know, he was engaged. When I see him skating and handling the puck, keeping the puck, and doing the things he did tonight with the puck, I know he was ready to go.”

On the power play, he added,

“The whole power play tonight, in general, was good. Yeah, I mean, they moved it and shot it, moved it and shot it, and things opened up. The seam finally opened up, and they took advantage of it.”

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Looking ahead, the Leafs will try to recover quickly as they face the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 13 at Scotiabank Arena. Connor McDavid and his teammates will test Toronto’s ability to tighten defensively and avoid giving up leads. With consistency needed from both forwards and the defense, the Leafs will aim to correct their mistakes and prevent another unwanted stat from growing.