Hockey analyst declares Toronto Maple Leafs unofficially eliminated from playoffs after recent string of losses

The Maple Leafs' playoff window appears to have slammed shut. Following a devastating 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, Toronto finds itself eight points adrift of the Eastern Conference wild card positions. This loss marked the end of a devastating five-game run at the ScotiaBank Arena.

Despite being the home side, Toronto could only get one point off an OT loss against the Red Wings last week. But while the losses have surely hurt the Maple Leafs’ pride, with just 57 points across 53 games, an even bleaker future remains for the franchise as they stand seventh in the Atlantic Division.

Jason Gregor believes that Toronto Maple Leafs are done with their season with no playoff hope

The Maple Leafs have had a tough run since the season began. But their performance since the winter break ended has been horrible. Hockey analyst Jason Gregor even believes that with just 29 games remaining, Toronto might be missing the postseason this year.

He didn't mince words about Toronto's situation. "Leafs unofficially eliminated from playoffs last night?" Gregor wrote. "They are 8 pts back of MTL, BUF, and BOS now. With Florida also ahead of them. Will be interesting to see how they approach the deadline and the off-season."

The Leafs trail Montreal, Buffalo, and Boston, all sitting at 65 points, for the final playoff spots as the Panthers add another obstacle ahead of them in the standings. The Leafs had already failed to get a win in their last four games as they entered yesterday’s game as the obvious underdogs.

But while everyone knew the Sabres were in red-hot form, Rasmus Dahlin’s first career hat trick made sure that Buffalo got their 19th win in their last 23 games. But while the away team got to extend their unbeaten run, Joseph Woll emerged as the victim last night.

The netminder was only able to make 24 saves out of the 28 shots he faced, while the Leafs’ offense was unable to stand up to Dahlin’s scoring. With playoff hopes effectively extinguished, general manager Brad Treliving faces a critical decision at the March 6 trade deadline.

Does Toronto embrace a seller's role and capitalize on expiring contracts, or attempt a retool around its core? The Maple Leafs have multiple players who turn UFA at the end of the season, so it will be smart for Toronto to offload some of their biggest contracts before March 6.

Deeper roster decisions loom around players like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Conor Timmins, and Dakota Joshua. The Leafs embark on a six-game road trip beginning Thursday in Seattle, where they'll attempt to salvage pride from a season that's spiraled into disaster.

The Sharks meanwhile have been on a dream run this season, courtesy Macklin Celebrini. So Toronto will have to bring their best as the San Jose rookie already has 78 points across 51 games and on Thursday he looks to add to that tally.

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