THE Toronto Maple LeafsThe recent 6-4 win over the Winnipeg Jets brought some relief after a losing streak. With contributions from veterans like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Max Paciorettyand William Nylander, Toronto showed they have the talent to compete with the best.

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However, the game also highlighted one of the team’s lingering weaknesses: its struggling special teams. Despite impressive five-on-five play, the power play and penalty kill remain problematic. If these issues cannot be resolved, doubts remain over the team’s ability to maintain momentum as they aim to surpass their current wild-card spot.

Maple Leafs power play struggles continue

One of the most surprising challenges for the Maple Leafs this season has been the performance of their power play, currently ranked 30th in the league. With a roster full of offensive talent – ​​especially when Matthews, Nylander and Tavares are all on the ice – Toronto was expected to have a lethal power play. However, this did not materialize. The game against the Jets once again showed this weakness, even in a victory.

The Maple Leafs had two power play opportunities in the first period but failed to convert. Their approach seems out of sync, with players hesitating and often reverting to predictable perimeter passes instead of attacking the net. This lack of directness and urgency led to missed scoring opportunities, causing frustration among players and fans alike. Power plays are opportunities to seize momentum, and Toronto’s inability to capitalize on these opportunities keeps their opponents in the game longer than necessary.

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Coach Craig Berube may need to go back to the drawing board. A more dynamic setup, with faster puck movement and more players involved around the crease, could help the team break out of this power play rut. Allowing players like Matthew Knies (who appears to be the only player capable of capitalizing) or Morgan Rielly to try out different roles and formations could inject some energy and variety. Right now, the power play is too predictable and easy to defend.

Maple Leafs penalty remains a concern

With the power play at a standstill, the Maple Leafs penalty was even more troubling. Despite holding a 2-0 lead heading into the second period against the Jets, they struggled to build on that cushion with the play of their special teams. Each penalty was a real headache and allowed the Jets to manage a late surge. Toronto’s PK unit allowed Winnipeg to score two quick goals, capitalizing on defensive errors from players like Simon Benoit and Steven Lorentz. This trend of shorthanded defensive mistakes has plagued Toronto this season, and the game against the Jets was no exception.

The third-period sequence began with a questionable penalty against Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and it quickly became clear that the Maple Leafs were out of control on the penalty kill. Positional issues, late reactions and an inability to clear the puck out of the zone gave the Jets more than a few chances to get back into the game.

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Allowing opponents to break through so easily puts extra stress on goaltenders like Anthony Stolarz. With a very functional PK, he would have had a much higher goals against average in the match. Whether he won the match had more to do with him than the help he received in front of him.

What are Coach Bérubé’s next steps?

After a big win, it can be tempting to overlook your weaknesses. That said, Coach Bérubé has always emphasized consistency and discipline, which are two areas where special teams need to improve. A good power play requires rhythm, chemistry and confidence. Could this come from simplifying the approach to creating higher quality scoring chances? Likewise, a solid penalty kick depends on composure, positioning and quick clearances.

Special teams can make or break a team’s chances, especially in close games where every opportunity counts. For the Maple Leafs to become contenders, they need to fix their special teams issues. Improving the power play and penalty kill will allow Toronto to dictate games on its terms and potentially move into a more favorable playoff position.

Looking ahead to the season, if special teams can’t be fixed

If Toronto’s special teams can tighten up, the Maple Leafs will have what it takes to become a force in the Eastern Conference. Players like Matthews, Marner, Tavares, Nylander and Knies have shown they can perform, but without a solid power play and penalty kill, the team risks letting opponents capitalize on their mistakes.

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For now, it’s clear that if the Maple Leafs want to turn the corner, they need to improve their special teams. With the talent on this team, there’s no reason Toronto can’t find its rhythm and make its special teams as formidable as their five-on-five game.