A jam-packed Eastern Conference standings, with several teams fighting for positioning, has become the biggest obstacle to the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes.
Jan 1, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with forwards Easton Cowan (53) and Nick Robertson (89) and defensemen Jake McCabe (22) and Troy Stecher (28) after scoring his third goal of the game against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
In their most recent game against the Winnipeg Jets, the Toronto Maple Leafs trailed 2-0 after the first period but received promising news from the out-of-town scoreboard.
