General manager Brian Burke's message to Leafs fans after the Trade Deadline was simple: This is the group we're going with.
The clock struck three with only two minor deals having been completed and no changes made to the Leafs NHL roster. And a day later, the team rewarded their general manager's confidence by losing to the Florida Panthers on the strength of two goals in the first five minutes.
It was another poor showing against a team that could end up standing between the Leafs and a playoff spot. The team has now dropped 10 of its last 11 games, sliding from being in line for a playoff spot to being in line for a potential lottery pick.
So, what will turn the team's fortunes around?
The Air Canada Centre crowd offered up its own solution Tuesday night with loud chants of "Fire Wilson!" and #firewilson was trending worldwide on Twitter after the game.
But is that the best solution?
Ron Wilson has not led the Leafs to the playoffs in the three seasons he's been behind the team's bench. But with so little time left in the season, would a coaching change really turn the tides?
With 18 games remaining, the Leafs are four points out of a playoff spot, needing desperately to gain ground down the stretch and more than likely needing help from the out-of-town scoreboard. The team will need to reel off big performances to have any hope of staying in the race.
The other angle to a coaching change debate is which coach the Leafs could find to take the helm at such a late stage. If Burke were to pull the trigger now, who could he bring in to get his team playing at a better level with little time left?
Would a coaching change turn the Leafs' fortunes around?
As always, it's Your! Call.
