Analysts Shares the Maple Leafs' Biggest Issue This Season
During this summer, Mike van Ryn, a former NHL player, assumed the role of assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He took charge of the team's defense after serving as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues for the past five seasons.
While many attribute the struggles of the Maple Leafs this season to goaltending issues, it's evident that there are other significant concerns within the team.
Major Issue Currently Affecting the Maple Leafs
Must read on Daily Hockey Dose
The main issue in Toronto this season appears to be injuries, with the Leafs constantly having key players on the injured reserve, long-term injured reserve, or playing while injured.
Currently, the Maple Leafs have four players on LTIR: Jake Muzzin, whose career is likely over; Matt Murray, who won't play for the remainder of this season; John Klingberg, whose injury remains mysterious and could potentially end his career within a month; and Mark Giordano.
Ryan Reaves and Joseph Woll are on IR and are expected to be out week-to-week. Woll is particularly crucial as he seemed to be the only reliable goalie for Toronto.
Ilya Samsonov has struggled this season, lacking confidence due to injuries during training camp and the season, making it difficult for him to find his form. Tyler Bertuzzi dealt with an injury to start the year and hasn't quite found his place on any line, seeming a step behind. Finally, Connor Timmins returned from injury but hasn't performed at his previous level.
One positive aspect of the injuries is that they have removed two problematic signings from this off-season, Ryan Reaves and John Klingberg, from the lineup. These players appeared to allow more goals on the ice than expected and didn't deliver what was anticipated when they were signed.
It's worth noting that the Leafs faced injury issues last season as well, so this cannot be the sole reason for their struggles.
Is the New Coach a Factor in the Problem?
The defensive statistics of the Maple Leafs from the 2022–2023 season compared to the current season are notably different, raising concerns.
In 2022-23 the Maple Leafs were:
7th in goals against per game
10th in expected goals against per game
13th in shots attempts against per game
8th in scoring chances against per game
15th in slot shots against per game
15th in rush shots against per game
7th in odd-man rushes against per game
10th in zone denial success rate.
The 2023-24 Maple Leafs are:
26th in goals against per game
20th in expected goals against per game
29th in shot attempts against per game
23rd in scoring chances against per game
28th in slot shots against per game
29th in rush shots against per game
25th in odd-man rushes against per game
26th in zone denial success rate.
7th in goals against per game
10th in expected goals against per game
13th in shots attempts against per game
8th in scoring chances against per game
15th in slot shots against per game
15th in rush shots against per game
7th in odd-man rushes against per game
10th in zone denial success rate.
The 2023-24 Maple Leafs are:
26th in goals against per game
20th in expected goals against per game
29th in shot attempts against per game
23rd in scoring chances against per game
28th in slot shots against per game
29th in rush shots against per game
25th in odd-man rushes against per game
26th in zone denial success rate.
This season, with Mike van Ryn in charge of their defense, the Maple Leafs find themselves in the bottom third of every defensive statistic, a significant drop from the top half of the previous year.
The defensive strategy and player performance are largely responsible for these concerning numbers, particularly in shot attempts per game, rush shots against per game, and slot shots against per game.
If they want to win a Stanley Cup, the Maple Leafs must address their defensive issues immediately.
As seen on Hockey Patrol - Maple Leafs Major Problem This Season Revealed, and It's Surprisingly Not the Goaltending
| POLL | ||
24 DECEMBRE | 231 ANSWERS Analysts Shares the Maple Leafs' Biggest Issue This Season Do you think Guy Boucher should be the Maple Leafs' head coach? | ||
| Yes | 102 | 44.2 % |
| No | 129 | 55.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
Latest 10 stories
