Could this be the season? It couldn’t, could it? David Alter isn’t getting too excited, just yet…
You have to go back to 2022 for the last time the Toronto Maple Leafs were in striking distance of the Atlantic Division. Through the quarter-mark of the season, the club is atop of the division as of this writing. But this is certainly not the way we expected them to get there. Toronto preached a defensive structure of hockey. There was pessimism the Leafs would be able to do it on a consistent basis. But though 21 games, they are doing it, sitting pretty with a 13-6-2 record.
Overcoming Injury Issues
The Maple Leafs have faced a spate of injuries this season, impacting several pivotal players. No. 34 has been sidelined since November 3 due to an upper-body injury, with his return date still uncertain, although it’s likely he returns at some point in Florida. Additionally, forward Max Pacioretty is week-to-week with a lower-body injury sustained on November 11. Calle Jarnkrok underwent groin and sports hernia surgery and is considered month-to-month for his return. Matthew Knies was placed on injured reserve on November 22 due to an upper-body injury. Max Domi has also been on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. And there’s also the suspension to Ryan Reaves. The forward continues to serve it after an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Offensive Struggles
The absence of key forwards has inevitably led to a decline in scoring. The team has had to rely on depth players and call-ups from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to fill the offensive void. Despite these efforts, the Maple Leafs have experienced a noticeable drop in goal production compared to previous seasons. Toronto ranks 16th in the NHL through games played on Sunday Nov. 24 in goals scored per game at 3.05. The Leafs were second in the NHL in that department in two of the last three seasons and they are in rarefied air.
Defensive Powerhouse
In response to offensive challenges, the Maple Leafs have shifted their focus to bolstering their defensive play. Goaltender Joseph Woll has come to life in recent games, recording his second career shutout with a 31-save performance against the Vegas Golden Knights on November 20. Going into Sunday, Woll leads the NHL in goals-against average among qualified goalies. His tandem partner, Anthony Stoarz, leads the NHL in save percentage among qualified goalies.
The defensive unit, led by veterans like Morgan Rielly and newcomers such as Oliver Ekman-Larsson, has tightened its structure, reducing high-danger scoring opportunities for opponents. The Leafs rank eight in the NHL in blocked shorts per 60 minutrs at 16.87
Team Resilience
There was some skepticism, from myself included, if the Leafs could stick to playing sustained defensive hockey. So far so good. Toronto’s ability to maintain their position atop the Atlantic Division standings, despite these adversities, speaks volumes about their depth and adaptability. The coaching staff has effectively managed line combinations and defensive pairings to compensate for the missing personnel. Players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares have stepped up, providing leadership and crucial contributions during this challenging period.
The Leafs are 7-1-0 without No 34 in the lineup, while Mitch Marner has two points in each of Toronto’s wins in that span.
What’s Coming Up The Leafs are going to have to figure out a gameplan to get their game going offensively. Stars like No. 34 will return. Depth players like Max Domi and Max Pacioretty will also return at some point. Domi has gone 13 games without a point, while Pacioretty was performing really well before sustaining a lower-body injury. Matthew Knies should also return soon after he was the recipient of a hard hit by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud.