Editor In Leaf
Fansided

3 Things Toronto Maple Leafs Must Do to Win Stanley Cup

By Stephen Nixon

MONTREAL, QC - MAY 29: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs attempts a shot against goaltender Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 29, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens are the first NHL Canadian team to allow a reduced capacity of 2,500 fans inside their venue. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MAY 29: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs attempts a shot against goaltender Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 29, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens are the first NHL Canadian team to allow a reduced capacity of 2,500 fans inside their venue. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – MAY 27: Jack Campbell #36 of the Toronto Maple Leafs  . (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Determine a No. 1 Goalie Early

Toronto’s biggest issue heading into free agency was goaltending, but they fortunately answered that when they signed Petr Mrazek.

Although the Leafs have a great tandem in Jack Campbell and Mrazek, it’s still unclear at which netminder will play more games. I’d assume that Campbell will get the nod opening night after a stellar 2020-21 campaign, but that could change quickly.

Having a goaltending competition for the number-one position is a good problem to have, but it’s definitely something this team shouldn’t want to still be having in the New Year. Instead, the Leafs should have both goalies compete for the first three months and then make a decision from there.

Even if the Leafs pick a starter, it doesn’t mean they have to play 60 games. The back-up can still play once a week and somewhat split starts, but it would at least solve the question of “who’s the starting goalie?” which is annoying narrative to have all year.

It’s also a frustrating narrative for players to address everyday, so it would make it much less stressful to know who your top goalie is.

Next. Is Michael Bunting Next Zach Hyman?. dark

Having two goalies is good, but having one netminder you’re confident in is even better. As a result, let’s hope Sheldon Keefe can determine that early and set up a nice routine for both goalies for the 2021-22 season.

Home/Editorials