Mitch Marner’s hesitation to shoot during last night’s game highlights a key issue with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ power play. What should be a strength has instead become a vulnerability, a surprising trend given the offensive talent Toronto has on its top power-play unit.

Following last night’s game, the power play stands at a mere 3 for 30 over nine games. Since February 27, 2023, the Leafs’ man-advantage record is 13 for 124, an underwhelming 10.48% success rate, as noted by Chris Johnston. By comparison, the Philadelphia Flyers had the league’s lowest power-play rate last season at 12.2% — despite far less offensive firepower — which makes Toronto’s struggles even more concerning.

This season, Toronto’s power play started 0 for 11 before scoring twice against the Los Angeles Kings, but since then, they’ve gone just 1 for 19, contributing to a 1-3-1 record in that span. When players like Marner are opting to pass up clear scoring chances in favor of unnecessary passing plays, it’s clear a change is needed.

During a crucial 5-on-3 opportunity in the first period, the Leafs were focused on passing without attempting shots. After failing to capitalize during Morgan Geekie’s penalty, they finally directed a couple of shots toward Jeremy Swayman when John Beecher joined Geekie in the box. However, as Carlo Colaiacovo observed, even with an open net, Marner chose to pass rather than shoot, missing a prime scoring chance.

Marner’s three assists may lead the team with 10 points, but these missed opportunities are exasperating for fans. When a power play is faltering, simplifying play is essential. Yet the Leafs persist in prioritizing passing over shooting, despite the presence of elite talents like Marner, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly. With only 3 power-play goals this season and 10 across their last 35 games, it’s clear this issue demands attention.

To put it bluntly, 12 NHL players are currently outperforming Toronto’s entire power-play unit on their own. Something has to change for the Leafs, and soon.