Toronto Maple Leafs' 'inevitable' power play issues addressed by NHL insider 

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a poor power play this season. They rank among the worst teams in the league in terms of success rate when having the on-ice personnel advantage. It has been their Achilles heel, and top insider Darren Dreger of TSN believes things have to turn around eventually.

Dreger said:

“I mean, when you look at the talent they throw out there, it’s just inevitable, isn’t it? These elite-level, skilled players are going to find a way to put the puck in the net. And, you know, they’ve been struggling to this point—that’s pretty clear. But you can’t have that much talent and see a power play like that struggle so mightily.”

The Maple Leafs have the talent to succeed in any situation, especially one in which they have such an advantage. The fact that they've not only struggled but been one of the worst teams in the league in this scenario suggests to Dreger that they will eventually revert to the mean.

Dreger cited their talent, as players such as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner should be able to help the team succeed in such moments.

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Maple Leafs captain reflects on power play breakthrough

It did not result in a win over the Minnesota Wild, but the Toronto Maple Leafs finally saw some success on a power play on Sunday. Their lone goal came on a power play, breaking a lengthy drought.

Auston Matthews opened up on the power play for the Maple Leafs (Imagn)

Head coach Craig Berube said they'd been tinkering with a few options to revitalize their power play and eventually landed on the unit that scored against the Wild. Captain Auston Matthews said, via The Hockey News:

"Yeah, it's good for the confidence, I think, just to see one go in. I thought the last couple games we moved it pretty well, hasn't gone in, execution maybe hasn't been there."

He continued:

"But it's good to see one go in. We only had a couple tonight, so hopefully that kind of gets us rolling and we continue to make that a big factor in our game."

The goal improved Toronto to 4/40 on power plays this season.