Timothy Liljegren and the Toronto Maple Leafs Have Themselves a Game

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Philadelphia Flyers last night 6-2.

The win moves the Toronto Maple Leafs to within ten points of the Florida Panthers, and nine back of Boston, though with two and three games in hand, respectively.

Had the Leafs found a way not to lose twice to Boston last week they could be five points with three games in hand and have a real chance for home-ice in the playoffs, but that doesn't look likely now.

The Leafs are ninth overall by points-percentage, but they are 16th in regulation wins, 16th in puck-possession, 14th in Expected Goals Percentage, and 18th in save percentage.

This shows that the Leafs are doing better than their play deserves because they are ranked higher overall than they are in any of the four major predictive statistics. This means that the Leafs are unlikely to catch up with Boston and Florida because they are demonstrably better teams who rely less on luck, and who already have a lead with limited games left to play. (stats naturalstattrick.com)

Timothy Liljegren and the Toronto Maple Leafs Have Themselves a Game

Besides the somewhat depressing standingst situation, this was a great game.

The Leafs dominated for the most part, and two of their most important wild cards came through with huge games (I'm talking about Liljegren and Bertuzzi).

Jarnrok was injured, however, so that's a not so good. The thing is, Jarnkrok is a helpful player, but Nick Robertson has a ton of upside and I really believe that if the Leafs are forced to use him, that good things will happen.

With Mitch Marner also out, this could be the opportunity that Nick Robertson and his legions of hardcore fans (they are called Robbies) have been waiting for.

Bobby McMann is breaking out and I think Robertson will too if he gets some much deserved ice-time.

Timothy Liljegren had a great game. Not only did he play nearly 20 minutes, he scored and had an assist, while the Leafs were 3-0 with him on the ice. Liljegren posted a game-high expected goals rating in the high eighties, which is extremely impressive.

With Liljegren on the ice, the Flyers did not get a single dangerous scoring chance, while the Leafs had nine. It was a very impressive game for the player who is not only making his case for being a regular in the top-four, but for becoming one of, if not the Leafs very best defenseman.

This game was crazy - I don't think any of us have ever seen a team score when three guys on defense didn't have a stick - and super fun.

For my money, the Leafs really should have done something at the trade deadline because these guys can be so good when they are on, and if the team can play like this while still being able to add Mitch Marner and Joseph Woll to the lineup, good things can happen.