Maple Leafs’ decade-long problem proves Jim Hiller isn't the only one to blame - Editor In Leaf
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An all-too-familiar trend is emerging in Jim Hiller's first season as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. When things get tough for the Leafs, the core takes a slight beating from the outside noise, but the head coach always gets it worse. At some point, we have to wonder whether Toronto needs to admit the right pieces aren't in place and start over, since the same issues keep arising for every coach who's been thrown under the bus. The Maple Leafs put in an uninspired effort against the New York Islanders on Saturday night, dropping them to last in the Atlantic Division. The hope was that the team would come out firing after blowing a lead in the last game against the Islanders. However, it looked like the same ol' story when this core group needed to pull together for a big win, and Hiller confirmed that post-game when talking to reporters, according to Jesse Blake via X. "“It's just disappointing. They could have a full lineup in there and our lack of fortitude to get to the inside makes it disappointing, in any case. “"Jim HillerIn a game where the Leafs struggled to get inside, it wasn't surprising to see William Nylander post the worst forward metrics of the night.
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McKenna had ‘good talk’ with Maple Leafs coach Hiller after benching - NHL.com
No. 1 pick in 2026 NHL Draft didn’t see ice in final half of OT loss to Sabres on Thursday TORONTO -- Gavin McKenna is ready to move forward after the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft was benched by Toronto Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller on Thursday.
Maple Leafs HC Jim Hiller’s Decision to Bench Gavin McKenna Finally Explained - Heavy.com
Getty TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Gavin McKenna #92 of the Toronto Maple Leafs playing in his first career NHL game, skates against the Montréal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on September 29, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) The Toronto Maple Leafs squandered a 4-2 lead and fell 5-4 to the Buffalo Sabres in overtime on Thursday, October 15. The game featured several key talking points, including Kirill Marchenko’s hat trick, Auston Matthews’ strong performance, and some negative developments, such as John Tavares’ injury and head coach Jim Hiller benching Gavin McKenna. The latter decision sparked significant controversy among fans, with some even calling for the coach to be fired for how he handled the prospect. The following day, on Friday’s edition of “The Leafs Morning Take,” Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill discussed the situation. Rosehill, drawing on his experience as a former player, offered his analysis of why Hiller made the decision, while making it clear he disagreed with the head coach’s approach. Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna Benching ‘Got Away’ From Jim Hiller, Rosehill SaysHe said, “Oh look, here’s my take on this thing.
Maple Leafs coach Hiller insists McKenna benching had nothing to do with performance - TSN
Gavin McKenna played just six minutes and 36 seconds during the Maple Leafs’ 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena. His last shift came midway through the second period. “We had those penalties, I wanted to get him out there, he sat through the penalties, and then I didn’t get him out there through that stretch,” head coach Jim Hiller explained. “And then the last few minutes of the period, we were just trying to get out of the period, I guess you would say, and now I’ve sat him for so long, and he sits in the intermission. So, I probably should’ve got him out there early in the third. I didn’t, so I’ll talk to him about that.”The Leafs were shorthanded twice in the second half of the second period with Oliver Ekman-Larsson getting whistled for high sticking at 14:35 and Morgan Rielly getting called for hooking at 18:07. Zach Benson was called for interference at 18:33, which ended the second Buffalo power play after 26 seconds. McKenna, the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, is not part of Toronto’s penalty-kill rotation. Between the Ekman-Larsson penalty and the Rielly penalty, Kirill Marchenko scored to give the Leafs a 4-2 lead.
Hiller calls on Maple Leafs forward to help out D with Tanev ruled week-to-week - TSN
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