The Leafs Need an Identity Shift: Why Mindset and Defense Will Decide Everything (ft. Kristen Shilton)

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!

Leaf it to the Ladies https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/428755/1/70vrrftg0jeql7ag

https://bleav.com/shows/ladies-talkin-leafs/

https://www.ladiestalkinleafs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOtMA8vhKUo

Support the show https://ko-fi.com/ltl1917

https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/

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

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/what-exactly-is-wrong-with-the-maple-leafs/

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