Toronto is hoping a change of scenery can help end its slide: The Maple Leafs swapped their usual routine for a workout and batting practice at Rogers Centre before facing Connor McDavid and the Oilers. The team’s immediate challenge is sharper play after costly turnovers and a string of losses.

By the Numbers
  • Toronto has lost 5 straight home games and 7 of its last 8 overall.
  • McDavid has 49 points in 20 games this season.
  • The Leafs beat Edmonton 7-2 in their previous meeting, late last month.
Yes, But

The Rogers Centre visit offered a welcome mental reset, but the team recognizes that a lighter day won’t solve its on-ice problems. Coach Jim Hiller says the Leafs must limit mistakes—and avoid turning one error into a dangerous sequence.

State of Play
  • Toronto is coming off a 5-2 loss to Minnesota and now faces one of the Western Conference’s top teams.
  • Chris Tanev is set to return Saturday; the starting goalie has not been chosen.
  • Kirill Marchenko is expected to resume skating soon, while Morgan Rielly and Colton Sissons remain out week to week.
What’s Next

The Leafs host Edmonton on Saturday. Repeating the puck management, defensive attention and special-teams execution from their 7-2 win will be essential if they hope to stop the slide.

Bottom Line

The reset may lift spirits, but Toronto’s recovery depends on translating that energy into a cleaner, more complete game against McDavid and the Oilers.