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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
Toronto Maple Leafs – Auston Matthews (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

A Look at the Toronto Maple Leafs

(8) Toronto Maple Leafs

Some 3000 words later, I’m getting to the team with whom this website is designed for.  The purpose of these articles was to see how Toronto stacks up against other play-in teams.  SO let’s see how the Buds look heading into their series with Columbus.

Toronto had 81 points in 70 regular-season games and indeed turned things around after moving on from Mike Babcock to Sheldon Keefe behind the bench.

Goal scoring is not an issue for Toronto, ranking second in the league with 237 goals scored.  Goals allowed, on the other hand, was a problem.  The Leafs allowed 222 goals this season, good for 25th in the NHL.

The  Maple Leafs have a scary power play, notching goals on 23.1% of their chances, which was sixth in the NHL.  The penalty kill was 26th in the NHL, at 77.7%.  Toronto is a strong puck possession team, ranking 6th in Corsi For % and 10th in Fenwick For %.

The Leafs Big 4 forwards are as good as anyone in the NHL.  Auston Matthews led the team with 47 goals and 80 points.  Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander all chipped in 59 points or more.  They have depth in Zach Hyman, Ilya Mikheyev, Kasperi Kapanen and Alex Kerfoot.  OHL phenom Nick Robertson adds some extra firepower to the team.

The defense is much maligned and for pretty good reason.  Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl will be asked to shut down Columbus’ top line.  Morgan Rielly is strong but will have to a heck of a job to make up for Cody Ceci’s shortcomings.  Their third pairing was pretty steady this season with Travis Dermott and Tyson Barrie.

The team will go as far as Frederick Andersen takes them in the net.  Freddie started 52 games this season and posted a .909 save percentage to go with a 2.85 goals-against average.  His defense often hangs him out to dry.  Andersen will need to flat out steal some games if Toronto wants to go on a run.

Next. Leafs Forwards Player Grades 2020 Regular Season. dark

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a high ceiling and low floor.  Their play-in matchup against Columbus is not ideal, as the Blue Jackets are a team designed to slow down the Buds.  Recent playoff results have been disappointing, and Leafs fans are expecting a breakthrough this year.  Will the team be up to the challenge and pressure?

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