Editor In Leaf
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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Three Positives, One Negative

By Tim Chiasson

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) and teammates celebrate his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) and teammates celebrate his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Nikita Zaitsev (22) skates behind his net during a 4-1 win over Boston Bruins at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Nikita Zaitsev (22) skates behind his net during a 4-1 win over Boston Bruins at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Eddie Razo

Positives

Nikita Zaitsev is who we thought he is.

The expectations for Zaitsev going into the season was that he could play in the top four of the Maple Leafs defensive corp. It’s safe to say that he has met and even exceeded these expectations.

Furthermore, Zaitsev has gained the trust of Mike Babcock. In the game versus the Minnesota Wild he lead all Maple Leafs in TOI with 22:11 and on even strength TOI with 19:27.

For the most part he has been paired with Matt Hunwick and he has not looked out of place. He seems to make the right play and because of that I hope Babcock can finally give him a bigger role and fill that partner role for Morgan Rielly.

The Developing Chemistry between Nylander and Matthews

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Prior to the start of the season, fans were salivating at the thought of Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews playing together, however, that has not been the case as Matthews has been on a line with William Nylander and Zach Hyman.

It’s early, but the chemistry that Matthews and Nylander have shown is something worth noting. They are starting to become the engine that gets the Maple Leafs offense going.

Also, these two are in the top five in scoring (it’s early, I know) as Matthews is tied for second place in points with eight and Nylander is tied for third with seven points.

The priceless hockey mom moments.

For my third positive I am going off the ice for a moment and giving some love to mothers of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Both have provided some early moments for the Maple Leafs and their sons.

From Emma Matthews who was shown cheering, smiling, laughing, and even crying as we all witness Matthews make history scoring four goals in his NHL debut versus the Ottawa Senators.

Then you have Bonnie Marner who was nowhere to be found when Marner scored his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins. Turns out she was in the washroom at the time of the goal, so she will have unique story as to her whereabouts when she talks about his first NHL goal.

Negative

The defense isn’t awful, but it does need fixing.

So far this season, the achillies heel for the Maple Leafs has been the defensive side of their game. Martin Marincin has made every fan cringe and puzzle everyone as to why Babcock has him playing top pairing minutes.

Also, even though I like Connor Carrick, partnering him with Morgan Rielly is not wise. Then you have veterans like Hunwick and Roman Polak who are serving as placeholders but are prone to showing their age and getting beat.

Moves are going to have be made to fix this defense, the Maple Leafs have so many talented forwards it would not surprise me if the decide to shop some of them for some defensive help down the road.

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