Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Questions for Sheldon Keefe In Training Camp

Toronto’s Power-Play

Perhaps the biggest flaw that the Montreal Canadiens exposed during the 1st round of the playoffs last season was the lack of killer instinct the Toronto Maple Leafs powerplay had.

The Leafs just couldn’t score, and absolutely part of that was down to some unbelievable goaltending from Carey Price. However there was a lot of it to do with a lack of mobility, quick puck movements and searching for the perfect shot.

For what felt like 85% of the time they were on the powerplay, Toronto looked as if they wanted to pass the puck into the net instead of shoot it past Price.

Certainly part of that could be down losing John Tavares to injury and some wrist pain that Auston Matthews felt, but Mitch Marner looked reluctant to fire the puck goal-wards and Rielly looked devoid of ideas.

Without their two core powerplay quarterbacks, the Toronto Maple Leafs were lifeless.

Sheldon Keefe, and his assistants need to address this in training camp. That could mean giving the above pictured Rasmus Sandin more powerplay opportunities. It could also be a deciding factor in someone like Nick Robertson making the team out of camp. The 20-year-old has a booming shot, and is more than happy to let it loose. His ability, and willingness to shoot could be a massive factor when it comes to cuts.

Perhaps even more simply, it could be making the decision to overload one PP unit, or try and spread the love; whichever route Keefe decides to go, he needs to find answers before the start of the season.