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How the Toronto Maple Leafs Stack Up Against the Competition (Part 3)

By Brad Vos

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: A detailed view of the NHL logo on the back of the goal netting before the game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Capital One Arena on October 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: A detailed view of the NHL logo on the back of the goal netting before the game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Capital One Arena on October 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Tyler Toffoli of the Vancouver Canucks and Zach Hyman of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

(7) Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks had 78 points in 69 games this season.  They can light the lamp, posting 224 goals for this season, good for tenth in the NHL.  Vancouver was 19th in goals allowed, giving up 214.

The power play is scary, converting on 24.2% of their chances, which was fourth in the league.  They have an average penalty kill, ranking 16th in the NHL.

According to Daily Faceoff, Vancouver has the best second line in the NHL, led by Elias Pettersson, Tyler Toffoli and J.T. Miller.  The other lines were towards the bottom of the league by forward line rating.   Miller led the way with 72 points, and Pettersson matched him with a team-high 27 goals.

On defense, Quinn Hughes posted 53 points in his rookie season and is a finalist for the Calder Award as top rookie.  The rest of the defense can be described as “meh.”

Vancouver’s goaltending is decent, hiding a lot of their defensive shortcomings.  Jacob Markstrom is the unquestioned starter when healthy.  He had a ballooned 2.75 goals-against average, but he had a .918 save percentage.

The Canucks are an exciting team to watch and should be a lot of fun in the play-in round.  With steady goaltending from Markstrom, they can make a run.  Their forwards are young and talented but may need some more playoff experience.

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