What’s wrong with this version of the Maple Leafs?

Are the Toronto Maple Leafs losing games because of their systems… or their mindset? This week, we’re joined by Kristen Shilton from ESPN, who brings her insights on the Leafs and the rest of the NHL to help us break down how belief, identity, and defense shape a team’s destiny.

We get the show rolling with an instalment of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. While there have not been too many bright spots for the Leafs so far, we did find some things to look forward to that may help the team turn things around, namely heading out on the road, and welcoming back some stability between the pipes.

Then for The Third Period, we welcome Kristen Shilton and get her input as to why mindset matters more than we might think — how effort without belief falls flat, why the Leafs’ struggles feel psychological as much as tactical, and the role coaching plays in building a true winning identity. Plus, we talk about what a championship-calibre defensive structure actually looks like, and what has to change if Toronto wants to flip the script.

From identity shifts to locker-room confidence, this episode is all about how the Leafs can turn belief into results… and results into a real run, which will hopefully find the Buds back in the winning column. Go Leafs Go!

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https://www.espn.com/nhl/story?id=46954261&slug=leafs-auston-matthews-miss-week-lower-body-injury

https://nhlalumni.com/2025/11/15/nhl-alumni-association-announces-2025-borje-salming-courage-award-recipient-mats-sundin/

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2025/11/17/toronto-maple-leafs-notebook-nic-roy-brandon-carlo-dakota-joshua-troy-stetcher-max-domi/

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/technology/why-the-leafs-need-to-draw-more-penalties-to-solve-their-power-play-woes/ar-AA1Q3z0A

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/joseph-wolls-solid-return-cant-save-unconfident-maple-leafs/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/better-breakouts-mounting-losing-streak-raises-alarms

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Not a good week in Toronto with the Blue Jays losing the World Series in a devastating way and now the focus will shift to the Leafs and Raptors. We're saying goodbye and good riddance to October! It wasn’t a good month at all for the Leafs with a record of 5-5-1, but on a positive the last few seasons their record in October hasn’t been great either.

Yes, Leafs Nation is already feeling all the feelings right now — and honestly, who can blame us? The season’s off to a rocky, unpredictable start, and the emotions are running high. But are we overreacting, or is there real reason for concern?

In this episode of Ladies Talkin’ Leafs, we sit down with our Insider Mike Augello to break down the Leafs’ early-season storylines — from lineup adjustments and chemistry issues to the growing pains that come with any big change.

We talk about why emotional fan reactions are totally normal, how understanding team dynamics can help manage expectations, and why patience (yes, patience!) might be exactly what this team — and its fans — need right now.

It’s an honest, hopeful chat about leadership, frustration, and what it really means to stick with your team through the tough stretches. Go Leafs Go!

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https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-john-tavares-hits-rare-milestone-in-most-unfortunate-way

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/toronto-maple-leafs-john-tavares-500-goals-nhl-49th-player

https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/how-do-you-become-a-500-goal-scorer-in-the-nhl-for-john-tavares-it/article_a958c717-d207-49e3-92e1-8e82e460210d.html

https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/highlights/tor-phi-cowan-scores-goal-against-dan-vladar-6384410173112

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/easton-cowans-first-goal-punctuates-maple-leafs-first-road-win/

https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/leafs-extended-loss-chris-tanev-team-depth

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We all know its early, but the Leafs have so far gotten off to a shaky start with a roster in flux!

We begin this episode hoping to tap into a little bit of that 1992-93 season magic, as Chris dives into her "Dream Season" bag of memories. That killer instinct was elusive even then, so we take a look at what that really means in in today's game and why Craig Berube’s mental approach behind the bench could be exactly what this team needs to find theirs.

Then in our second segment we have an early season instalment of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. While the scoreboard hasn't been our friend, there have been some positives to start the season, and of course a lot of room for improvement! We’ll break down Morgan Rielly’s strong start, the importance of depth players, and why fan energy still fuels everything this team does.

For our Third Period we welcome Shawn McKenzie, a master of in-game storytelling, who joins us to share his behind the scenes perspective on how the Leafs are building chemistry, adapting to lineup changes, and pushing for the kind of consistency that wins games early and in the playoffs.

Right now, it’s all about finding consistency before the season slips away. Because it’s early — but Leafs Nation knows every game matters. Go Leafs Go!

00:00 Nostalgia and the 1992-93 Dream Season
09:09 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the Season
23:41 Insights from Shawn McKenzie
46:46 Playoff Intensity and Future Predictions

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With goaltending bolstered and the team looking sharp in practice—Leafs Nation has plenty to be excited about as we head into the season. Just a week away now before the real games begin with the Leafs home opener vs the Montreal Canadiens on October 8th! Pre-season battles are heating up and we’re here to break it all down with you.

We begin the show with a quick look at the 2025-26 Leafs schedule. With a condensed schedule, the Olympic break, and quite a few back to backs again, there will be some challenges for the Buds.

Then, the pressure was on for Brad Treliving with Joseph Woll’s absence looming large between the pipes. We discuss Brad's long term signing of Anthony Stolarz and the return of James Reimer on a PTO boosting the stability and experience in the crease.

In this episode, we also spotlight John Tavares, who's been heating up and will be closing in on a career milestone this season, while practice sessions revealed plenty of promising performances across the roster. From on-ice communication to locker-room chemistry, the Leafs’ dynamics are shaping the story of this season.

We’re also launching a brand-new segment, “Leaf It to the Ladies”, giving fans a fresh way to interact and share their takes on everything Blue & White. Plus, we take you inside the NHL Alumni lunch, where nostalgic stories from former players reminded us why Leafs Nation runs deep.

If you’re feeling the buzz around this season—you’re not alone. Join us as we celebrate the highs, dissect the challenges, and connect with Leafs fans everywhere.

👉 Subscribe now for Leafs talk, milestone moments, and fan-driven insights.

00:00 2025-26 Season Schedule Overview
02:43 Show Updates and New Segments
03:59 Preseason Performance and Player Highlights
11:46 Practice Insights and Player Evaluations
21:40 NHL Alumni Lunch Experience

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https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/current_nhl_players_who_have_the_best_chances_to_reach_500_goals/s1__42728761#slide_1

https://thehockeywriters.com/toronto-maple-leafs-milestones-to-monitor-in-2025-26/

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It's another hot summer Leafs Nation… and we've been chilling on the patio contemplating another long Leafs' offseason. It’s August and it’s been pretty quiet, not just with the Leafs, but around the NHL!

Mitch Marner’s gone, and whether you’re calling it a sign and trade, a shake-up, or just another chapter in the “almost” era, the reality is simple — we’ve lost one of our best playmakers, leaving an impossible hole to fill.

But in true Leafs fashion, we’ve got some new players to pin our hopes on — Matias Macceli, Nick Roy, and Dakota Joshua. Will they bring the grit, depth, and scoring punch we’ve been missing, or will they be added to the already long list of fill-ins that ultimately could convert when it matters? At the very least, they bring fresh energy and a chance for the Leafs to rewrite the narrative — and hey, stranger things have happened in hockey right?.

Joining us for this spirited conversation is sports journalist Damien Cox, who doesn’t sugarcoat when it comes to the Leafs’ current moves, and decades long futility. We get his opinion on Brad Treliving’s plans to reshape this roster. Is this the start of a real contender build, or just another GM coming in to Toronto, trying to make their mark. If it’s the former, we might just be watching the first steps toward something worth remembering — we can only hope right?

And of course, this is Leafs Nation — so we want your take. Hit us up on social media or send us an email with your thoughts on the Marner trade, the new signings, and where you think this team is headed (or not headed).

If you bleed blue like we do, and love unfiltered Leafs talk, hit subscribe. Because win or lose — and let’s be honest, it’s usually both — there’s always that little spark of hope that keeps us coming back. Go Leafs Go!

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Dan Robson, Senior Writer, The Athletic - How much more can a fan base endure? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5870494/2024/10/28/toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-playoffs-failure/

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