I'd be less concerned about missing the playoffs and more concerned about playing well. The cushion the Leafs have right now over 9+ is enough that they could limp into the playoffs despite poor form with relative ease. But what then?
In the past few weeks, Leafs fans and neutral commentators have given the Leafs credit for winning the game in spite of poor performances. They lauded the fact that Toronto has learned to "find a way to win" those games, which I do genuinely think is a great characteristic for a team. The problem with that, though, is that finding a way to win games in which you're the second best team is going to catch up to you sooner or later. It's not a reliable game plan. And now despite finding dogged success in the immediate wake of the 4-Nations Tournament (a five game winning streak), they are struggling heavily.
There's still time for Toronto to pick things up. But they have to lift off soon, because the runway is shrinking and shrinking.
I actually agree, I think he's great.