The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing significant challenges as they reach mid-November. With a record of 8-8-1, the team has only 17 points and is currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Their performance raises questions about their ability to recover this season.

The team is dealing with injuries, including a lower-body issue affecting captain Auston Matthews. He left the game against the Boston Bruins, which ended in a 5-3 loss, and there has been no official update on his condition. Matthews, who shares the team lead with nine goals, has not yet made a significant impact in games this season. His absence could severely affect the team's chances moving forward.

Easton Cowan, the top prospect in the organization, was not in the lineup for the Toronto Marlies during their recent game. This absence suggests he may be recalled to the Maple Leafs due to Matthews' injury. Cowan's potential promotion comes amid concerns that being part of the struggling Leafs could hinder his development.

The Maple Leafs' playoff hopes appear to be in jeopardy. Last season, the cutoff for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference was 91 points. At their current pace, the Leafs are on track for only 82 points, which would not be enough to secure a postseason berth. The team has experienced a series of poor performances, including three consecutive losses, which have raised alarms among fans and analysts alike.

Head coach Craig Berube is under pressure as the team prepares to face the Los Angeles Kings, who have won seven of their ten road games this season. The Kings are coming off a strong 5-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens, making them a formidable opponent for the struggling Leafs.

In addition to Matthews' injury, goaltender Anthony Stolarz left the game against Boston due to an upper-body injury. There were initial concerns that he was pulled for performance reasons, but the injury was later confirmed. Stolarz has struggled recently, posting an .875 save percentage and a 4.05 goals-against average in his last seven games. His performance has not helped the team, which has struggled defensively.

General manager Brad Treliving faces tough decisions as the trade deadline approaches. He previously made significant trades to bolster the roster, but the current situation raises questions about the effectiveness of those moves. The team needs to maintain key prospects like Cowan and Matthew Knies for future success.

As the Maple Leafs navigate this challenging period, the focus will be on their current roster and coaching staff to turn things around. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining whether they can regain their footing in the competitive Eastern Conference.