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Toronto Maple Leafs Playoff Opponent Analysis

By Hannah Feldbloom

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 21: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets defends against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jackets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 21: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets defends against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jackets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Josh Anderson of the Columbus Blue Jackets battles against Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

D-Men

The defensive pairings for the Blue Jackets are overall strong and hard to beat. Even with injuries running down their lineup, all pairings have stepped up their game.

The first defensive pairing for the Blue Jackets contains Zach Werenski (20–21–41) and Seth Jones, unless Seth Jones is still injured, then Markus Nutivaara (3–6–9) takes his place.

Former Calder finalist Werenski has broken records for the Blue Jackets throughout his four seasons in the NHL.

In his rookie season, he surpassed Rick Nash for most points scored by a Blue Jackets rookie and last season tied with Seth Jones for most goals by a Blue Jackets defensemen in a season.

The second defensive pairing for the Blue Jackets contains Ryan Murray and David Savard (0–11–11).  That is, unless Ryan Murray is still injured, in which case Savard will partner with Vladislav Gavrikov.

The third defensive pairing for the Blue Jackets while Murray and Jones were injured was  Scott Harrington (1–7–8) and Andrew Peeke (1–2–3).  A healthy team would see a mix of those two with Gavrikov and Nutivaara.

Peeke was not a mainstay on the Blue Jackets lineup during the season and alternated between the AHL and NHL for over 20 games.

Although Harrington has played more NHL games than Peeke, he has not made a huge impact in the playoffs on the scoresheet.

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