The Toronto Maple Leafs are a fantastic defensive team this year, but their offense is lacking.
After finishing second in goals for last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit 22nd in that category this season, which is shocking. Comparatively, the Leafs rank fifth in goals against this year, when they were 21st last year.
Essentially the team’s impressive offensive stats have flipped for incredible defensive stats, which I’m all for. At the end of the day, I would much rather have a team that allows less goals on any given night, because as cliche as it sounds, defense wins championships. Team’s that have high-flying offensive upside and rely on winning 5-4 games usually falter in the playoffs, as shown by Leafs teams of previous seasons.
The Leafs are scoring 2.90 goals per game versus allowing 2.60 per game this year. Last season, they were averaging 3.63 goals per game and allowing 3.18 goals per game. Although their plus/minus in goal differential was a little better last year, I am much more confident in the group that is allowing 0.58 less goals per game.
Overall, the team’s defense has improved, but it has cost them their offensive prowess. The team plays a much more complete five-man system right now that is defensively sound and not only that allows for as many offensive chances. It has benefited the roster thus far, as they are winning many more games 3-1, and I think that will only help their chances in the spring.
However, as much as the defensive structure is great, the team could still use one more weopon in the top-six. I like what Max Pacioretty has brought thus far, but he should not be the team’s second line left-winger right now. He can still score, but that offense would be better suited on the third line.
Leafs Should Add Taylor Hall
As a veteran, he has very high hockey IQ which would benefit beside Fraser Minten and Max Domi, which would essentially push Bobby McMann to the fourth line, replacing Pontus Holmberg. I have no issue with that as well, because his big-body is perfect on the fourth line, plus it gives that line a little extra scoring touch.
Holmberg doesn’t provide much offensively to begin with, so McMann’s a better option there, as the Leafs desperately need another legitimate second-line winger.
One name that would be a perfect fit in Toronto is Taylor Hall. A pending UFA, Hall is a former Hart Trophy who would probably love to play for his “hometown” team. With 13 points in 29 games, Hall’s stats aren’t exceptional but he is playing on a terrible team.
Hall could really benefit from playing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, as I think those three could find instant chemsitry.
Even if it’s not Hall, there will plenty more names that pop up in the next few months, but the Leafs desperately need one more offensive winger because if they can find that piece, they will be legitimate Stanley Cup favorites.
