The Maple Leafs are entering their biggest road stretch of the season so far, and it arrives at a crucial time
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs kick off a stretch where they play eight of eleven games on the road, with their performances with their performances set to reveal a lot about where this team truly stands.
Coming off a homestand where they posted a 2-2-0 record, the Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up to play the majority of their next scheduled games on the road starting in Boston on Tuesday night.
The team is looking to bounce back after consecutive losses, and have seen a drop in the standings with them currently 7th out of 8 only behind Buffalo.
What the extended road stretch could mean for the Maple Leafs
So this next road trip is crucial in establishing their identity and give themselves the momentum to take control of the Atlantic Division and not risk losing their playoff spot.
The next five games that Toronto play are going to be Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, and Columbus so there's the opportunity for the team to secure some points and keep afloat in the standings.
After that though it's Montreal, Columbus, Washington, Pittsburgh, Florida and Carolina, and they are on the road from Nov. 22 to Dec. 4 with a back-to-back thrown in there.
Why this stretch could shape the Leafs' response to early challenges
It's going to be a challenge regardless, and their injury situation only adds to the difficulty. They are going to need to tighten up their defense, as they currently have given up the 8th most shots in the NHL.
The team also averages 8.3 defensive zone giveaways per game, while giving up an expected 32.28 shots on goal against.
Last season, Toronto lost their games in Montreal, Columbus, Boston, Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Florida and they are going to need to be prepared as to not repeat history once again.
The combination of defensive zone miscues and allowing opponents to shoot at will has led Toronto to sit 30th in the league in goals against, where they sat 8th in the league last season.
They are on pace to give up over 300 goals this season if they continue their current production, and if that continues, it could put pressure on their playoff hopes.
Toronto's next stretch will show how ready this group is to handle adversity and push together as a team.
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