Toronto Maple Leafs management acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggles with their power play, emphasizing that the issue is a collective responsibility. On Tuesday, general manager Brad Treliving spoke after the dismissal of assistant coach Marc Savard, stating, “The players have responsibility and this doesn’t absolve anybody. This is not we throw somebody out and blame that person.” Treliving made it clear that while Savard's firing was a significant decision, it was made after extensive discussions with head coach Craig Berube.
In the wake of Savard’s departure, assistant coach Derek Lalonde is set to take a “lead active role” in managing the power play. Treliving expressed the challenge of making such decisions, remarking, “Never fun decisions to make or fun days. Not putting blame solely on Marc Savard’s feet. We need to be better in that area. It falls on all of us.”
Head coach Craig Berube also spoke about Savard’s firing, taking responsibility for the situation, stating, “It’s on me, I’m the head coach.” The Maple Leafs have been underperforming on the power play, with only 12 goals this season and a conversion rate of 13.3 percent, both of which rank last in the NHL. Additionally, the team has allowed four short-handed goals, contributing to their struggles.
Treliving highlighted the impact of the lackluster power play on the team’s standings, noting, “It’s been an area that to me has cost us points in the standings, so it’s got to be better.” As of the last game played on Monday, the Maple Leafs sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 35 points and a record of 15-15-5, although they are only six points away from a playoff berth.
The team is expected to face the Pittsburgh Penguins later on Tuesday, with live coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET. Adding to their hopes, defenseman Chris Tanev is set to return from an extended injury layoff. Following the Penguins match, the Maple Leafs will head into their holiday break, returning to play on Saturday for the “Battle of Ontario” against the Ottawa Senators during Hockey Night in Canada in Toronto.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the significance of Savard's firing, emphasizing that it was a necessary move to reset the power play and get key players like Auston Matthews back on track. He also confirmed that neither Treliving nor Berube is in danger of being dismissed, and Treliving offered Berube a vote of confidence, saying, “I support Craig fully. When you go through rough stretches, that’s part of the business.”
Berube echoed Treliving’s sentiments, stating, “It’s tough. (Savard is a) good friend, known him for a long time. It’s always tough, but we didn’t perform well enough and that’s ultimately on me.” The management is focusing on internal improvements rather than making panic trades, reaffirming their commitment to turning the season around without resorting to drastic measures.
