Leafs Stuck in Atlantic Chaos

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently seventh in the Atlantic Division, a position that would typically signal a team in distress. However, despite a recent slide, the Maple Leafs are only four points out of first place, highlighting the unusual parity within the division. The teams that started strong have cooled, while others have found their footing, creating a tightly contested race where the leader holds a mere .595 points percentage.

This parity is further amplified by the league's "glorious" loser point and a record pace for overtime games. NHL.com reports an unprecedented number of contests heading into overtime, a trend that inflates point percentages across the board. This makes it challenging for teams to gain significant ground, as opponents often secure at least one point even in a loss. Coach Craig Berube attributes this to the league's overall evenness.

The Atlantic Division's competitiveness means every point is crucial, including those from overtime losses. The Maple Leafs have dropped three overtime games this season, points that could prove vital as they navigate this unpredictable landscape. Their upcoming game against the Montreal Canadiens, a team also struggling after a strong start, is expected to be another tight contest.