Maple Leafs' Struggles Continue Amid Coaching Changes

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially fired assistant coach Marc Savard as the team continues to struggle this season. Savard, who joined the coaching staff at the start of the 2024-25 season, was primarily responsible for the team's power play, which has seen a significant decline.

After a strong performance last season with a power play conversion rate of 24.8 percent, the Leafs now find themselves at the bottom of the NHL with a dismal 13.3 percent success rate this season, scoring only 12 goals on the man advantage through 35 games.

The team is currently amidst a rough stretch, having lost three consecutive games and six of their last eight. They sit in 15th place in the Eastern Conference and last in the Atlantic Division with a record of 15-15-5 through 35 games, raising further questions about their direction as they approach the holiday break.

Head coach Craig Berube's comments after recent games suggest a disconnect between his perspective on the team's mental state and that of captain Auston Matthews, who remains optimistic about their process despite recent losses.

This ongoing turmoil has intensified scrutiny on the coaching staff as the Leafs look to regain their footing in the league.