The Toronto Maple Leafs had no shortage of concerns as they entered their contest against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.
The Canucks, not the Toronto Maple Leafs or Edmonton Oilers, have been the best Canadian team in the National Hockey League so far this season.
Defensive woes, highlighted by a franchise-worse eight-game home streak of allowing four or more goals, a bottom half of the lineup that consistently loses, mental lapses at inopportune times, suspect penalty killing and goaltending were among the issues.
Considering the length of that list, it’s a small wonder that the Leafs are not buried in the standings, like their preseason, Stanley Cup contending favorite, Edmonton Oilers.