Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1st Month of the NHL In Review

By Andrew Kogut

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to playing against the Edmonton Oilers in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 27, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to playing against the Edmonton Oilers in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 27, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 9
Next
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning faces off during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Amalie Arena on October 28, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning faces off during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Amalie Arena on October 28, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

15. Tampa Bay: 4-3-1 (9 points)

GA have been an problem (23rd) and they lost some depth this offseason but Tampa should be able to keep these issues at Bay, even if they have to Palat all the stops at some Point.

Random Note: I predict that Kucherov’s injury is going to be long term, TB is going to add a ton of salary in the meantime, and, when the cap isn’t an issue in the postseason, all of these players are going to be ready and eligible. Heh, like that’s possible

14. Philadelphia: 4-2-1 (9 points)

Philadelphia took some Flyers on vets (Brassard, Yandle, Atkinson) who have all impressed this year. Love Ryan Ellis but he’s battled injuries the last few years and has missed four-straight games. Healthy, that’s a nice D! (Got to be a better way to say that)

Random Note: Appreciation for Sean Couturier (699GP, 177G, 452P, 52FO%, 52.3CF%). And those stats are tempered by modest production from ages 19-24; he’s a flat-out (Philly) stud

13. Detroit: 4-3-2 (10 points)

5th in GF with Vrana on the IR and without Bertuzzi full-time is very impressive but I see an impending goalie Greiss-is. If Nedeljkovic steps up, there’ll be another tough Atlantic club Larkin around.

Random Note: Lucas Raymond joins Troy Terry as another player with two first names who leads their team in scoring (it’s been a slow week, what can I say)

12. Columbus: 5-3 (10 points)

Wise men say Elvis Merzlikins’ gaudy numbers (1.98 GAA, .939 SV%) have swayed doubtful fans of Blue Jackets (and shoes).   No more suspicious minds.

Random Note: Elvis has not yet left the building. 

Home/Analysis