Sens Win! Panthers Win! Sabres Win! Lightning Win! Red Wings Win! Oh whats that you say? The leafs new guy got a hatrick? surely they won right? Oh he shortened the bench, parked the bus and then played the guys he literally spammed the entire 3rd period in OT and they lost because they were already gassed from playing most of the minutes in P3?? Great Coaching there buddy, Bench McKenna and play Sissons in OT. and I have to endure all my non leafs fan friends rubbing it in... Only thing that can save this night is Dodgers getting swept

We’re done with that style of play in the 90’s. We’re in 2026, play your first overall pick that our franchise basically got gifted for no reason

These mentality coaches sometimes kill the development of these young players. Look at Michkov for example

What the hell was that game management by our coach. McKenna better have been hurt or its almost inexcusable.

Its such an important win, I think this may be something that tanks our season, tanks our morale too.

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I really appreciate seeing everyone stating how winnable tonight’s game was and how Gavin would have played a huge role in leading the team to victory

CREDIT:

https://www.instagram.com/graphicdesignwithdro?igsh=NnNseXI4eGRtb2Nh

Gavin McKenna - (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)

Sword - Stock photo from Envato

Something about Auston Matthews has felt different this season.

What is it, exactly? What’s fuelling his resurgent start to the season?

A lot, as it turns out, as Matthews explained in great detail during a one-on-one conversation with The Athletic following practice this week at the Black Rock Mountain Resort in Heber City, Utah.

Read the exclusive for free here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7690331/2026/10/15/auston-matthews-maple-leafs-hiller-health-sports-science/?unlocked_article_code=1.I1E.uFX_.UP4Oag4RSEAs&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta

Looking at the 2nd Buffalo Goal. It seems instead of going off for a change like his linemates did he pressured the puck carrier and then trailed into the defensive zone for the goal.

Is that it?

Hard not to dog on Hiller for blundering McKenna in one form or another, but Kirill was straight stylin' on the Sabres tonight. That second goal was absolutely tantalizing!

He would later go one to score a bullet in OT.

-Hiller’s defensive structure when holding leads is not effective, at all.. (standing still and not pressuring play to the sideboards - seeing Nylander dump the puck tonight was reminiscent of berube hockey)
-They need to continue to play the same game plan they started the game with but become tighter, collapse, dictate opposing pressure and support when necessary (which he is instilling - they are trying to focus on a collective structure as per Austin’s postgame tonight)
-Benching Gavin was a mistake but he owned post game tonight. I respect that.
-leafs need major help on D 😭 (no sh!t)
-line combos tonight were *Chefs kiss*
-All other aspects of their game is SO much better than last year (starting games on time, forechecking, sticking up for each other, SPECIAL TEAMS)

More positives than negatives. I BeLeaf!

I looked at my gf and said, oh no! Going into the third. If you think that not playing McKenna was why this game was lost...Come on now. You've never Leafed a Leafs game before.

There are fundamental problems with this team. I hate to say it but the defence has to improve boxing out the front of the net. If you don't have the personnel to do it, then get them. Big, ugly Darian Hatcher looking mofos. Bob sees the puck, probably stops it and we don't have OT.

Hiller, I would hope has learned the lesson. Don't sit on a lead...ever.

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I’m finding this year frustrating. I’m still mad when they let goals in and are missing chances. And I LOVE IT!

I’m not sitting at home being a doomer, p’d off at the team and getting angry or worse, not caring. I’m frustrated because they’re looking good and I’m hopeful again. My frustration is coming from a place of caring and not apathy. I felt towards the end of last year I just didn’t care anymore. But this team is giving me something to love again. The chase, being right there. Stealing some wins and fighting back and falling a little short in losses.

There’s a lot to like about this new year, and also still so much room for improvement. Do I know how to fix it? No. But boy do I care again.