The Leafs fall 3–2 in overtime to the Columbus Blue Jackets, snapping their one-game winning streak in Game 21 — but tonight felt different. Despite the loss, Toronto showed real pushback, energy, and structure that has been missing for weeks. Zack Phillips breaks down why this performance was a meaningful step in the right direction even without Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, Nikita Grebyonkin, Chris Tanev, and Anthony Stolarz.

We unpack why the Leafs’ compete level and forechecking actually improved, how players like Easton Cowan, Jacob Lorenz, Scott Laughton, and Troy Stecher injected life into the lineup, and why the first period was one of Toronto’s best 20-minute stretches of the season. We also dive into the ongoing defensive-zone issues, breakout problems, Morgan Rielly’s tough night, Max Domi’s struggles, and how the overtime deployment cost them a second point.

From special-teams frustration to roster pressure, cap implications, and the Eastern Conference playoff picture tightening heading toward American Thanksgiving, we cover everything you need to know. Like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts — we’re breaking it all down on Leafs Nation After Dark.

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