Maple Leafs must make one key change to become nearly perfect

The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the best five-on-five offenses in the NHL this season (52 goals), but their low power-play conversion rate (11.8%) distorts that perception. The league average is around 20%, per ESPN.

Craig Berube's team generates good chances, but they don't finish. They must reduce shots wide, improve aim on one-timers, and, of course, cross-ice passes to open lanes.

Toronto must also standardize the break-in (drop pass vs. carry-in) and move away from predictability with variations. In other words, ensure puck support to avoid immediate dump-outs. Using profiles like Matthew Knies or Bobby McMann could also help them improve net-front presence for screens, rebounds, and tips, elevating the controlled chaos in the slot.

Berube's direct style works at five-on-five, and they must not sacrifice it for a flashy power play, but rather add automatisms that fit with the plan.

Craig Berube must fix the Maple Leafs without breaking their five-on-five core

Toronto could benefit from a dynamic meritocracy on PP1/PP2. They could rotate hot and reward retrievals and effective screens. If PP1 cools down, give more run to PP2 to sustain the rhythm and energy.

Having Auston Matthews practice his quick release could also be beneficial. Berube should prepare 3-4 set plays, both from the left side and the right side, with clear triggers.

If the Maple Leafs design plays after the draw for shots in 5-7 seconds, they could maximize faceoff specialists and pre-established movements to win the first possession.

On the other hand, the transition defense has been the main reason for defeats for Toronto this season. Berube needs to adjust gap control and backpressure from forwards to close lanes and neutralize odd-man rushes.

The coach already pointed out the lack of execution, so reinforcing video sessions with simple KPIs (successful entries, shots from high danger, retrievals won) could also be a solution, no matter how basic it may seem.