Max Pacioretty Makes His Feelings Known About Toronto Maple Leafs’ ‘Extra Effort, Extra Battle’ From Last Year
Veteran forward Max Pacioretty didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ performance during last year’s playoff series, particularly the “extra effort” and “extra battle” displayed by the team. As the Leafs continue to look for a path to playoff success, Pacioretty’s comments have sparked conversation among fans and analysts alike, highlighting a common theme of intensity and urgency that is often seen as critical to postseason triumph.
Pacioretty, who has had a front-row seat to high-pressure NHL playoff games over the years, emphasized that the Leafs’ effort in the previous postseason against the Tampa Bay Lightning left something to be desired in certain moments. Toronto had pushed Tampa Bay to a six-game series in the first round, but ultimately fell short in a year where expectations were high after several consecutive years of playoff disappointments.
“The Leafs have the skill, the depth, and the talent to go all the way, but I felt like there were times when they didn’t show that extra push, that battle that’s needed to get over the hump,” said Pacioretty in a recent interview. “Playoffs are all about the grind. It’s about that willingness to fight for every inch, and I think Toronto could have done more of that last year.”
His comments speak to a wider criticism that has followed the Leafs through their playoff struggles in recent seasons. Despite boasting high-end players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares, the team has often been accused of falling short in the physical, gritty aspects of playoff hockey. Pacioretty’s reference to the “extra effort” and “extra battle” suggests that the Leafs may not have been as engaged in those key moments when the games become more physical and the stakes higher.
The frustration of not being able to push through in the postseason has been a persistent issue for the Leafs, and many analysts have pointed to the team’s inconsistency in high-pressure situations. Toronto’s skillful top line is often at the center of the spotlight, but questions about whether the team as a whole has the necessary determination to succeed in the postseason continue to linger.
Pacioretty’s own experiences, especially his time with the Montreal Canadiens, have given him a unique perspective. As a player who has experienced deep playoff runs, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, Pacioretty understands the importance of not only executing the game plan but also embodying the mindset that every shift matters in a series. His time in Montreal, where the Canadiens were known for their defensive resilience and physicality, shaped his belief that playoff success is as much about emotional engagement and sacrifice as it is about talent.
“The best teams aren’t always the ones with the most skill, they’re the ones that want it more,” Pacioretty added. “It’s about digging in and making sure you’re not leaving anything on the table. Toronto has the tools, but now it’s about making sure they want it just as badly as their opponents.”
For the Leafs, who are in the midst of another season with championship aspirations, Pacioretty’s comments may be a timely reminder. The question of whether the team can match the physical and mental intensity of their competition, especially in the high-stress environment of the playoffs, continues to be a topic of conversation. Toronto’s core players, including Matthews, Marner, and Tavares, will need to demonstrate not only their elite skill but also their commitment to battle through adversity if the Leafs are to shake their playoff demons.
As the Leafs move closer to another postseason run, they will be hoping to prove that they have learned from past disappointments. Pacioretty’s words will likely resonate in the locker room, reminding Toronto’s players that the path to success isn’t just paved with skill—it’s built with grit, determination, and the ability to dig deep when it matters most.
