As the Stanley Cup Finals unfold, the Maple Leafs face offseason transitions, notably losing associate coach Lane Lambert to the Seattle Kraken. Lambert, the first in this role for the Leafs, significantly improved their defensive game, particularly in goals against. Under his leadership, their ranking jumped to eighth in goals against during 2024-25. However, despite achieving strong overall defensive metrics, the team allowed a high volume of shots, sparking concerns about their ability to maintain possession and effectively handle opposition attacks. This shift poses both a challenge and an opportunity for the organization ahead of major offseason moves.
"While the Maple Leafs improved their defensive game, specifically in goals against, their strategy often involved conceding perimeter play to concerning levels, raising questions about their overall effectiveness."
"Lane Lambert's departure to the Seattle Kraken marks a significant change for the Leafs, as he played a crucial role overseeing their defensive zone and penalty kill improvements."
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