Article content

Until he sees something approaching consistency from his players, Maple Leafs coachMike Babcock will continue to touch on some familiar points.

The Leafs’ game in New York against the Rangers on Saturday night will be their second of five in a row on the road, with a trip through Arizona, Colorado and Las Vegas starting on Dec. 28, following the three-day Christmas break.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Leafs Locker: Babcock puts consistency, effort on his Christmas wish list Back to video

Toronto has two wins in its past six games, losing four in a row on the road including a less-than-stellar effort in Columbus against the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

“I watched New Jersey and the Rangers play (Thursday, on television) and that’s at a different level than what we are playing at,” Babcock said on Friday.

“I just think we have to play harder as a group. You go through ebbs and flows in the season and you have to find your way back to a level you can all be competitive together.

“You have to have 20 guys on deck. You can’t have half the guys. We have to do a better job.”