Everyone expected the Maple Leafs to have a major chip on their shoulder coming into this season. Last year it was a historic season for the Maple Leafs, they set franchise records in wins, Matthews set a franchise record in goals, scored 50 in 50 games, and finished the season with 60.
Despite all this, the Maple Leafs are a mere 4-3-0 to start the season, currently sitting 6th in the Atlantic Division, and 17th overall in the NHL. If the playoffs started today, the Maple Leafs would not be making the playoffs, nor would they even have a shot at Connor Bedard under the new lottery system.
Tonight against the San Jose Sharks, is a MUST WIN for the Maple Leafs, they cannot afford another loss to a team below them in the standings, like what happened against Arizona.
The biggest changes in the lineup is Bunting moving down to the third line and Kerfoot making the jump to the top line to play with Matthews and Marner. Will this change finally spark Matthews who only has 1 goal through his first 7 games? Not to mention that 1 goal is one that accidentally went off him against Washington.
