Toronto Maple Leafs: Scoreboard Watching (February Edition)
By Neal DeRosa
Montreal Canadiens:
Record: 31-17-8
Point Total: 70 (56 games)
Goal Differential: +21
5v5 Corsi For%: 52.3 (3rd)
5v5 Team Shooting %: 7.99 (12th)
5v5 Team Save %: 93.41 (3rd)
Powerplay%: 22.3 (5th)
Penalty Kill%: 79.1 (23rd)
As the Habs continue to lose games, the more relevant they are to the Leafs playoff aspirations. Funny how quickly things can change in the hockey world.
One month ago, the Habs looked like they already locked up the division but now the Leafs have a shot of catching them at their current pace.
Price’s performance still largely impacts the Habs success regardless of the teams improved play from past seasons. Carey Price is in a bit of a slump, which has lead the Canadiens to win only six regulation wins in their last 20 games.
In addition, Shea Weber has turned ice cold in 2017. The star defensemen has not recorded a point at even strength in over 14 games. In this time, he has three powerplay points.
With the return of Galchenyuk, Markov and Gallagher , their dropping shooting percentage should increase, but is the damage of this past month enough to get the Leafs into this division title race?
Price will surely raise his game sooner or later, but how soon will that be. This upcoming week is extreamly important for the Habs with games against the Blues, Bruins, and Jets.