Interesting stat
The Toronto Maple Leafs are controlling a lot of the play in the early going and the PP is firing on all cylinders, so why is it that the Leafs are converting on less high danger opportunities than the opposition? Blue paint.
The Leafs have a 8.7 HDC% (% the Leafs have converted high danger opportunities), which is below the league average of 12.6 HDC%. Leafs opponents are converting at 14.3 HDC% against them, which is above league average. That’s a huge disparity.
I believe it goes back to something that Keefe has been preaching from day 1 in camp, make life easier for our goalie and harder for theirs. The Leafs need to get to the front of the net more. They also need to defend their own blue paint better. Bottom line, we need a little more physical engagement guys. Talent only goes so far.
Quotes of the week
“The only thing I can think of, other than I should have had that, was I just wanna shake his hand. That was a heck of a play. What a young talent, it’s good for the league, and you can count on me being better on that one next time.” Jack Campbell on the Tim Stutzle goal, showing the kind of sportsmanship and honesty that we just wish all athletes had. (Sportsnet.ca via Facebook).
Joe Thornton during his post-game on January 16th after the win against Ottawa, on becoming the oldest Leaf forward to score a goal in an NHL game. He asked the reporter questions in a back and forth banter that was a comedic breath of fresh air. I can only imagine how valuable he is in the dressing room. The quote is too long to post here in the blog, but it’s worth a listen.
Until next week,
Keep your sticks on the ice.