Elliotte Friedman warns Maple Leafs must act fast to fix inconsistency (Image via: Getty Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs face a difficult few games beginning this week. The performance of this team has not been very consistent recently, and raises some questions as to how consistent they can remain going forward. The added importance of each game helps to make the ability for the Leafs to bounce back from poor performances over the next couple of weeks something everyone will be paying attention to.Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was blunt ahead of the short break, warning that the Maple Leafs are headed towards a lot of very uncomfortable conversations if they don’t sort this out. His comment highlights the immediate need for the team to fix their inconsistencies and strengthen leadership on the ice and in the locker room.
Maple Leafs face midseason challenge with consistency and leadership under pressure
Elliotte Friedman talks Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov and more.
The team is now under greater scrutiny than ever with respect to leadership, performance and accountability. Outside of a few defensive breakdowns, inconsistent goaltending, poor special team, and a lack of consistency in their top forward lines; it has been evident that many areas of concern will need immediate attention by this team. In all likelihood, coaches will need to look at making changes in their tactical strategy, line combinations and roles for their players in order to create the balance and consistency that is needed to be a successful team. Very few of the top forwards have been able to find the chemistry that is needed to build a consistent top line, and many pairs of defense have had difficulties keeping the opposing teams to a minimum in scoring chances. Every game is magnified even more than before, thus forcing the management to make some difficult decisions behind the scenes in order to maintain or prevent a downfall from occurring. The execution of plays on the ice will be very critical. Players must focus all their efforts on playing to the best of their ability, while coaches should concentrate on the tactical adjustments made to apply them correctly during each play. Leadership from within the locker room will dictate how well the players hold each other accountable and continue to build the structure of the organization as they grow together.If not addressed quickly, the Maple Leafs could face a difficult stretch. How the team performs in the coming games will determine whether they can regain stability and build momentum for the rest of the season. Elliotte Friedman has emphasized team to act quickly to improve consistency and reinforce accountability among players if they hope to avoid a midseason slide.Also Read: Phillip Danault trade rumors: Elliotte Friedman weighs in on LA Kings center amid slow NHL season