Leafs' Struggles Intensify As Major Weakness Becomes Apparent
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be in serious trouble come playoff time if they don’t address their most glaring issues before the season ends. There’s growing concern that they won’t be able to handle a tough first-round matchup against teams like Florida or Tampa Bay—and unless the entire roster commits to a full, collective effort, another early playoff exit seems inevitable.
With only a dozen games left, time is running out for Craig Berube to turn things around. At this point, sticking to the same approach isn’t working—maybe it’s time to shake things up entirely.
this is probably the best it can get with this personnel but i just don't have confidence this 3rd line can win their minutes
— Willyston Riellander (@nylanderthews) March 24, 2025
TB's paul-bjorkstrand is at *67%* xGF together
FLA's lundell-luostarinen is at 52% xGF together
TOR's domi-robertson is at 45% together
just not enough https://t.co/ZUvRZ0A3qN
Toronto’s Third Line Must Step Up—NOW
While the top two lines haven’t been terrible in terms of production, the third line’s struggles could become a major liability if they don’t improve soon.
Nick Robertson and Max Domi are posting an expected goals share (xGF%) below 50%, which is a problem for a team starving for secondary scoring.
Scott Laughton was brought in to help, but he’s still pointless in a Maple Leafs uniform and appears to be adjusting.
Bobby McMann has shown flashes of success on the third line, but he’s earned a promotion to the second unit—keeping him buried in a struggling trio would only waste his potential.
Domi and Robertson have just 18 combined goals this season, accounting for a measly 8% of the team’s total scoring. That’s simply not enough, especially when Domi carries a $5M cap hit.
The other depth additions haven’t fared much better—outside of McMann, the rest of the supporting cast (including Pontus Holmberg, Max Pacioretty, Calle Järnkrok, and Fraser Minten) has only managed 14 goals all year.
Whatever Berube has tried so far isn’t working, and if the third line doesn’t start contributing soon, the Maple Leafs’ playoff run could end in yet another disappointment.
If the scoring line isn’t producing, the fourth line won’t be able to pick up the slack. And if Toronto’s stars go cold—like they have in past playoffs—their Stanley Cup dreams will be over before they even get started.
Image - Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn
