The Leafs have lost four straight games, all of which saw them squander a lead at some point, including a 3-0 lead to the Colorado Avalanche last Saturday. On Tuesday, the team was ahead 2-0 against the Edmonton Oilers as well, but they lost 4-2 after giving up four goals in a row.

The team met at their hotel in Calgary as they continued their road trip through Western Canada, and head coach Sheldon Keefe issued a challenge to his group during this difficult time. By being “very blunt,” he expects his team to improve as they approach a tough stretch of play that includes games against the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets (twice), Dallas Stars, and other teams hoping to make the playoffs.

“In those times, who will we rely on?” After practice on Tuesday, Keefe was questioned by the media. “Who will venture out and complete the task?”

“After forty-two games, I still have a lot of questions about who will start and who will win the game for us,” the player said.

Despite the subpar performance, Keefe still has faith in his team. But he understands that, in his role as coach, he must inspire his team to maintain their resolve when things get tight.

“That is present. It exists within us. It is my responsibility to constantly remind them of that while also encouraging them to figure out how to get through this.”

It is not as though the bench boss, 43, is ignorant of the Leafs’ recent losing streak. Toronto has given up a lead in five of the previous seven games, but he thinks his team is in a stronger position than what appears on the surface.

There have been moments when we have wanted to finish it, but we haven’t. That has demonstrated our consistency during those pivotal times. I do not think it is indicative of where our team is right now. We have not completed it during those periods.”

The Leafs recently won four straight games, two of which were against the San Jose Sharks, before going on a terrible run of form.

On Thursday, the Leafs (21-13-8) will take on the Calgary Flames. As of right now, they are 11 points behind the Boston Bruins for first place in the Atlantic Division and just one point ahead of the Detroit Red Wings in fourth.