Monday mailbag: Let’s start winning games again edition

Here we go.

Since last Monday, the Leafs have played three times and lost them all.

So we lead things off with a friend of the blog, who’s worried about the state of the team.

No, Brad, the Leafs are not in crisis mode. Crisis mode would be missing the playoffs entirely, having Auston Matthews out long term, and severely mismanaging the team’s cap situation and assets. Considering they’re at 85 points, which is good enough for 6th in the NHL and just 10 away from the typical 95-point barrier needed to clinch a playoff spot, the Leafs have earned themselves more than enough wiggle room to not be in any sort of real crisis right now.

Is apathy an ok excuse? It’s human nature to believe the Leafs may have gotten a bit complacent at this point in the season, which really might not be the end of the world. In the past month (since Feb 1), however, they played 15 games and were outscored by more than one goal just once. So whatever they’re doing that may not look to be quite at their peak level, they still have managed to mostly manage to not get their socks knocked off. Even at their average, they’re still a pretty okay team.

That’s as good a question as any. Boost his confidence maybe? The other lines were on the ice immediately beforehand and got tired? In 28 minutes on the power play this season, Leivo’s managed a grand total of 0 points. While it might be worth arguing he’s worth a spot as one of the best 12 forwards on the team, it’s hard to make a strong case for him as one of the 6-8 best forwards to come on the ice with the man advantage. Strike that one down as a bad decision for old Mike Babs.

*pulls up armchair*

I mean, if Tavares is game for that and the Leafs fit it in, sure, why not. If you can find a way to add John Tavares to your lineup, you pretty much always add John Tavares to your lineup.

Yes. We’re pretty done with them at this point, unless we get one in Ottawa where we can be the home team, or something.

Right now? Maybe this.