Of the myriad issues that are impacting the Maple Leafs, lack of team toughness is substantial. Article content

Depth defenceman Simon Benoit isn’t relied upon to have a major influence on any game, but the 27-year-old takes some blame. Article content Article content

“I’ve been too passive,” Benoit said on Monday. “I don’t have the knife in my teeth right now. I have to be better for the team. I have to show up. I have to be hard to play against.

“I have to be, sorry for my language, a pain in the ass for the other team.

“I’m looking forward for next game, to be a better player for the team.”

It’s an admirable way for Benoit to go. The majority of his teammates should take a similar hard look at themselves in the mirror.

Benoit led the Leafs in hits last season with 204 in 78 g

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