With a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, the hopes for a playoff push for the Toronto Maple Leafs is looking less promising by the day. The Leafs sit six points out of a wild-card spot and need every point they can get from here to the end of the regular season.
“Games matter right now,” said Matthew Knies, who had a goal and an assist in Toronto’s loss to the Lightning. “Every point matters. We got to be focused and just give a better effort; play like we’re a team fighting for the playoffs next game.”
Related: White House Over Maple Leafs? Toronto Media Calls Out Auston Matthews
What Missing the Playoffs Will Mean to Fans
As any Leafs fan knows, rooting for the team has come with many ups and downs. The obvious ones are not winning a Stanley Cup since 1967 or being considered one of the most disliked fanbases in pro hockey (that usually comes from the other NHL team fanbases). That comes with the territory, as the same thing can be said for the New York Yankees of the MLB. Just goes to show that when a team is hugely popular, there is a definite “you love them or hate them” thought process.
The Leafs have made the playoffs nine years in a row, which is a great feat in itself, but the team has not gone far in any of those nine years, resulting in some very disappointing first-round exits.
Berube Treliving Maple Leafs
You keep hope alive, but you can’t help wondering whether you’ll see a championship in your lifetime. That’s also what makes sports great. Your team is your team, and you always want them to succeed. Look at the Chicago Cubs — more than 100 years before they finally won. Hopefully, it won’t take that long for the Leafs, but even when it doesn’t feel like it, the wait can still be worth it.
MLSE CEO Giving His Full Support
MLSE CEO Keith Pelley is giving his full support to the Leafs, even though his message to season ticket holders hinted at the Leafs not being around for the playoffs.
“The 2025-26 season for the Maple Leafs, so far, has been a series of ups and downs, and unfortunately with a number of key injuries that have affected the team, we are not currently in the position we had anticipated, but that is professional sports.
This team has made the playoffs nine seasons in a row, the longest streak in the NHL and something to be proud of, but as I have said since joining the organization, our goal is to not just make the playoffs, and we will do whatever is needed for this team to make the next step.”
Rinse and Repeat for Next Season
Even if the Leafs don’t make the playoffs this season, not much will change next year. It would be a surprise if head coach Craig Berube was fired, and I don’t think any major trades will happen before the March 6 trade deadline, other than a possible Bobby McMann move.
The offseason could see some trades, but it’s too hard to tell now. There will be a clearer picture depending on where the Leafs sit in the standings at the end of the regular season.
It’s always a roller coaster ride when you are a Leafs fan. Take that as you will, love it or hate it. That’s what Leafs Nation is all about.
Next: Time for the Maple Leafs Pull the Plug?
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