"Should that be a surprise to anyone paying attention? To be honest, USA Today was quite generous by placing the Leafs where they did. The club is mired in the mushy middle and hasn't shown any signs of breaking out. But the comments explaining the placement are perhaps the most telling of Toronto's season so far: "Mitch Marner left in free agency and William Nylander has missed time with injury. That's a lot of offense to make up." Offense. Lack of it."
"The Leafs are actually sixth in the league, averaging 3.58 goals per game. So, where is the offense stalling? Try the 29th best power play in the league. Or how about 15th n the league in shots? Those numbers show that, while the Maple Leafs are scoring, they're just not getting it done on the power play. They are shooting enough, and that likely has impacted the team's ability to overcome another crucial flaw."
Toronto's offense shows paradox: the team averages 3.58 goals per game, sixth in the NHL, yet ranks 29th on the power play and 15th in shots. Key departures and injuries have reduced elite scoring depth, including Mitch Marner leaving in free agency and William Nylander missing time with injury. Defensive and goaltending performance has deteriorated from last season, with a 3.67 goals-against average (28th) and a .880 save percentage (29th). Joseph Woll's absence, inconsistent Cayden Primeau outings, and Anthony Stolarz's poor start have contributed to the team's struggles and lower rankings.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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