logo
The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
3 takeaways from Leafs-Kings: John Tavares leads the charge but it’s not enough in OT loss
alt
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Arun Srinivasan
Nov 14, 2025, 06:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 13, 2025, 22:43 EST
Comments
It’s becoming difficult to find bright spots in the season, as the Toronto Maple Leafs lost 4-3 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings. John Tavares scored twice, while Bobby McMann played some of his best hockey of the season, recording the game’s opening goal. And though the Maple Leafs showed some better process through the first period, they surrendered the lead twice, and were outshot 37-15. It was a more than fair result, and the Maple Leafs’ defensive effort remains a work in progress.
Warren Foegele, Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere scored for the Kings, while Quinton Byfield recorded the overtime winner, wiring home a feed from Drew Doughty. It was a fitting homecoming for Byfield, who entered the arena in his York-Simcoe Express jersey, a throwback to his dominant minor career.
Here are three takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Kings 

John Tavares leads the charge but it’s still not enough

Auston Matthews was ruled out of Thursday’s game, forcing the Maple Leafs to respond in his absence. John Tavares met the challenge and was the Leafs’ best skater by some distance, recording two goals, while taking it personally to lead the team on the ice. Tavares isn’t known to be an overly physical presence, but he was throwing his body around and refused to back down from the Kings, getting in their faces constantly throughout the night.
Tavares was one of the few Leafs constantly buzzing in the offensive zone, and he worked a strong two-man game in conjunction with Oliver Ekman-Larsson for his first goal of the contest. Bobby McMann established the offensive zone, getting the puck deep, before Tavares went got to work and pushed his way into the slot.
Toronto appeared intent on giving the lead back to Los Angeles, and ultimately it did, but Tavares did everything in his power to keep his side in the game. Tavares and Matthew Knies combined to win a puck battle behind the net, then the star centre got to the net-front, where William Nylander found him alone. The 35-year-old made no mistake from in close, and while there will be plenty of blame to be assigned, Tavares deserves an exemption. He was a constant offensive force, continuing what’s been an outstanding season to date.
Tavares led the Maple Leafs in shots, goals and individual expected goals during Thursday’s loss to the Kings, and the Maple Leafs are relying on their 35-year-old more than ever, amid a four-game losing streak.

Dennis Hildeby wasn’t the problem and may get another start

Dennis Hildeby was also forced to step up, with Anthony Stolarz ruled out of Thursday’s game. Hildeby responded with one of his best starts of his NHL career, recording 33 saves on 37 shots. For the second consecutive game, Hildeby was left out to dry by his teammates and he kept battling as the Kings landed a constant shot barrage.
It wasn’t a flawless start. Hildeby should’ve done better on Warren Foegele’s goal, which cut the Leafs lead to 2-1, but he wasn’t the only culprit. Brandon Carlo afforded Foegele too much space to enter the zone, but this may be nitpicking. The latter three goals had nothing to do with Hildeby, as the Leafs often stood idly by at the net-front and allowed the Kings to jam away at multiple chances.
“He was our best player, no doubt,” Tavares said of Hildeby post-game.
Joseph Woll is working his way back into form and could be an option to start Saturday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Hildeby isn’t a long-term solution this year, but he’s played well enough when thrown into the proverbial fire and has to be in line for another start shortly, especially with Stolarz working his way back from an injury of his own.

The defensive side of the puck remains a real work in progress

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said after Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Hurricanes that his team doesn’t value the defensive side of the puck. There were incremental signs of progress, particularly through the first 30 minutes, but Berube’s statement still rings true nearly a week later.
“I think that defensively we have been struggling, and that is something that can be fixed and you can adjust and make changes to be better at that, better attention to details,” Maple Leafs forward William Nylander said prior to Thursday’s game. “I would be more worried if we weren’t scoring goals, because that’s harder to do. Not letting in goals has been hard for us this year and that’s something we can change and adjust and do better at.”
Toronto were hemmed in their defensive zone throughout the game, most notably on Kevin Fiala’s goal. Fiala is given enough time to circle the zone, fire an initial shot on net, collect his own rebound, get another dangerous shot on the net, then the rebound trickles out to Quinton Byfield, who tries to jam it home, before Fiala finally scores. Simon Benoit does nothing to clear the danger, Jake McCabe watches the sequence while ostensibly tying up any crashing Kings forward, and Matthew Knies, Nicolas Roy and William Nylander are all culpable as well.
Hildeby made several excellent saves during the third period. Jake McCabe almost scored an own goal in the dying minute of the game, as the puck hit his skates and dangerously ricocheted toward the net. Los Angeles recorded 15 high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-5 and though Toronto did a better job of denying the zone in the first period, its efforts waned following Foegele’s goal. Toronto has now allowed a league-worst 50 goals at 5-on-5 through 18 games. The defensive side of the puck is indeed a work in progress.

PRESENTED BY TABLE FAIR + SOCIAL

TABLE Fare + Social is a vibrant food hall in the heart of Toronto’s financial district,
offering a unique dining and social experience just steps from transit and the
arena—perfect for pregame meals before tip-off. Open weekdays from 11am to 10pm,
TABLE serves up morning treats, creative eats, and lively after-work events. With a
private terrace overlooking Toronto’s elevated park, guests enjoy stunning views
alongside year-round programming that includes food tastings, cooking classes, live
music, and pop-up events designed to spark connection and creativity.
Follow along @Tablefood hall or tablefoodhall.com
Editorials
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News