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How the Toronto Maple Leafs Stack Up Against the Competition (Part 4)

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, ON – OCTOBER 18: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

(5) Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pens notched 86 points in 69 regular-season games and just missed out on a top-four spot.  Their 221 goals for was 13th in the NHL,  while they ranked 11th in goals allowed at 196 total.

The power play has a ton of weapons but still only rated out as 16th in the league.

They ranked tenth in penalty kill, recording an 82.1 PK%.  Puck possession was a strength of the Penguins, ranking 9th in Corsi For % and 6th in Fenwick For %.

The core forwards are ageing, but this is a strong and deep group.  Evgeni Malkin led the way with 74 points in 55 games.

Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby recorded 47 points in 41 games.  They have depth with Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust, Patric Hornqvist and Jared McCann.  Very few teams can roll out a better top three lines.

The defense was a plus for the Penguins this season.  Kris Letang chipped in 44 points to anchor the top pairing with Brian Dumoulin.  They are deep on defense as well with John Marino, Marcus Petersson, Jack Johnson and Justin Schultz, all being more than capable.

The goaltending situation in Pittsburgh is interesting. There is still no word from Head Coach Mike Sullivan on who will be the starter.

Tristan Jarry had much better stats this season with a .921 SV% and 2.43 GAA.  But Matt Murray has a Stanley Cup ring, despite a bumpy season with a sub-.900 save percentage.

The Penguins are experienced, talented and deep and could win the whole thing if they get some decent goaltending.  I don’t think they will have any trouble dispatching the Montreal Canadiens in the play-in round.

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