The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit in Third Place in the Atlantic Division.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on a two game losing streak, have a + 5 goal differential, and are tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for being the highest scoring team in the NHL with 45 goals. The Leafs, however, have a game in hand.
So, obviously, the highest scoring team’s biggest problem is defense. It’s almost all Leafs Nation seems to be focused on right now. Specifically, Roman Polak and Ron Hainsey playing while Connor Carrick sits. Also, Andersen has been weak so far, but there is every reason to believe he’ll soon get better.
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There is a bright spot on the defensive end: last year, the Leafs allowed the second most shots per game in the league. This year, they’re tenth. Baby steps.
Week in Review
The last week in Leafland was kind of dumb as it saw the unnecessary return of Roman Polak and the ridiculous demotion of Mitch Marner to the fourth line.
Monday saw the Leafs beat the Kings 3-2, but then they allowed ten goals over two losses to the Hurricanes and Flyers, two teams they should easily be able to beat.
Not to worry, however. The Flyers game was winnable, and despite not really deserving a win in Carolina, a late (and eventually nullified) power-play almost gave the Leafs a great chance to tie.
In fact, the best thing you can say about this team is that other than their game against the Devils, they either outplayed their opponent or had an incredible chance to tie the game late in the games when they lost.
If Marner buried that giveaway late in the Sens game, if the Flyers goalie didn’t steal a game, and if Kadri doesn’t get a face-off penalty against Carolina, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be 10-1.
Now think of what they could do if they regularly played Leivo, Kapanen and Carrick. Or if they somehow acquired another top -four Dman so they could play Hainsey on the third pair, as is sensible.
Upcoming Week
The Leafs have a crazy-busy week ahead. They head out on a four game road-trip. Tonight they will play the Sharks, in Marleau’s return to his former team. Then, Wednesday, it’s the Ducks, followed by the Kings on Thursday and the Blues on Saturday.
Next: The Myth of Babcock's Infallibility
A west coast road-trip is always a challenge for an eastern team, and avoiding the two easy wins in Vegas and Arizona is kind of a drag, but if you hate sleeping, then this is the week to be a Leafs fan.