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Toronto Maple Leafs: A Half season in Review (So Far So Good)

By Michael Da Ponte

Jan 7, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman TJ Brodie (78), defenseman Morgan Rielly (44), forward Dryden Hunt (20) and forward Pierre Engvall (47) celebrate a goal by forward Pontus Holmberg (29) against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman TJ Brodie (78), defenseman Morgan Rielly (44), forward Dryden Hunt (20) and forward Pierre Engvall (47) celebrate a goal by forward Pontus Holmberg (29) against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov (35)  Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov (35)  Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Maple Leafs Current Position in Standings:

2nd in Atlantic Division
2nd in Eastern Conference
2nd in NHL

Typically, such a favourable position in the league standings would be an equally favourable first round match up for the playoffs, but the current playoff format does no favours for the  Leafs.

Another first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning seems to be a lock at this point, unless the Buffalo Sabres can somehow continue the run they are on and the Lightning hit a wall.

For now, it seems safe to say that it is Leafs/Lightning, round 1, and the team should be preparing for this for the next four months.

Whatever it takes to get them ready for this match up, this should be the top priority. Whether it is acquiring depth on the blue line, revamping the middle six, or making a big splash for a top six forward, the Maple Leafs have no excuse to not get themselves ready for a first round battle with Tampa Bay.

Leafs Current NHL Rankings 

Goals for: 141 ( 6th in NHL )
Goals against: 108 ( 4th in NHL )
Goal differential: +33 ( 3rd in NHL )

Last season the Maple Leafs finished second in the league in goals for and a paltry 18th in goals against. ( per NHL.com )

This season, the scoring has dipped just a bit, but the goals against have improved drastically. If the goaltending can remain solid and the team continues to keep their focus on team defence, the Maple Leafs could be in for a record breaking season in keeping the puck out of the net.

The scoring chances, and the goals, will come eventually, but the team should remain focused on keeping the puck out of their zone and, therefore, out of their net. It may mean Matthews and Marner won’t crack 100 points this year, and Matthews may not win the rocket, but team success needs to be the top priority here.

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