Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube identifies critical problem they must address

The 8-7-1 Toronto Maple Leafs are going through an inconsistent stretch in November. The franchise has lost its last two games, against the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins.

After losing against Carolina, coach Craig Berube explained that Toronto's main problem is the mentality. “For me, it’s just a mindset," he said.

"If you want to be a good defensive team, you’ve got to check, you’ve got to have good sticks, you’ve got to win battles, and you’ve got to have good structure. And right now, it’s a mindset for me. We don’t have any of that right now," he added, via The Hockey News.

The Maple Leafs were outshot against the Hurricanes (47-20), with multiple breakaways conceded in the second period. They can score, but they give up too many goals.

Why the Maple Leafs must react before the first quarter of the season

Toronto must find consistency between its identity and the results. The team has a high offensive production, but its current identity prioritizes the highlight over the habit. Without defensive habits, any lead will continue to dissipate.

Last year, the Maple Leafs had elite goaltending, which masked these defensive problems. This season, without that, the cost of that weakness is even greater and is reflected on the scoreboard.

The Maple Leafs should not give up their creativity to prioritize defense, but they must have enough discipline to choose when to take risks. Berube must ask his team to choose the easy play under pressure, close the middle and just chip it out to reset when appropriate.

Toronto must work on simplifying the breakouts, especially at the blue line and the high slot. Additionally, establishing rules for puck possession is key. When there is no support or rim/soft chip, if the defense is pinched, the high forward has to cover immediately. It is also necessary to improve the balance and the risk reading.

It will not be the worst of scenarios if the Maple Leafs do not correct these problems immediately. What is urgent is to establish the necessary habits in micro-windows. In their upcoming games, they must set an objective to reduce the odd-man rushes and the high-danger chances per period.

Generally, a team's identity is consolidated before the end of the first quarter of the season (after 20-25 games). That is when the Maple Leafs must have improved to avoid chasing the playoffs down the stretch. If they do not correct by then, the playoff margin falls considerably, and they will be forced to make more drastic changes, such as adopting a more conservative line matching or making roster moves.