Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller refuses to change the lineup, and there has been an influx of criticism from both fans and the media.
The Maple Leafs have started the season with a 1-2-0 record and have only managed a total of six goals during that span, which just isn't good enough.
Despite this, head coach Jim Hiller has kept the lineup the same. All four forward lines aren't changing, and the defensive pairings aren't changing either. Meanwhile, Sergei Bobrovsky remains as the starting goalie.
While speaking to Arun Srinivasan, Hiller explained why he won't be changing the lines up right away. In Hiller's mind, the games have been close, and the process still needs to be worked on.
I hope it just lets them know that, listen, the record right now is not exactly where we want it to be. I would say I think we could have won all three games if things would have went a different way. So let's just work on our process.
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This sounds great, but for the fans, the results are all that matters, and as of right now, the Maple Leafs simply are not getting the results.
With a new head coach, it was always going to be an uphill battle to get everything together. Kirill Marchenko and Gavin McKenna are new additions to the top-six and have had to adapt. McKenna on a larger level as he learns how to play NHL hockey.
What changes can be made for the Maple Leafs?
One of the best decisions the Leafs can make involves none other than Gavin McKenna. It appears that he just isn't built for the second line right now and needs more time to develop.
Furthermore, Easton Cowan needs a promotion. He deserves a spot in the top-six, and it is clear that Hiller and the front office like what they see so far.
On the defensive side, there isn't much else this team can do except hope that Darren Raddysh is going to ease into his role on the top pairing next to Morgan Rielly.
Hiller and his Maple Leafs take on the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night, and that will determine whether or not changes need to be made. Another inauspicious offensive showing could be the catalyst for some real fixes.
Do you believe Jim Hiller is doing the right thing with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
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