Three important things as Leafs enter stretch run
ORLANDO — The Toronto Maple Leafs’ two-game trip through Florida told them something about themselves, as they prepare for the toughest part of the season — the stretch run.
Toronto played both the firstplace Tampa Lightning and the playoff desperate Florida Panthers — and lost both games in the shootout and overtime, respectively.
The positive spin on things? Toronto managed points against two very good teams who are just as hungry as they are for the post season. The not so positive spin on things: Toronto continues to be a high shots-against team, which forces their goalies to make incredible saves on a nightly basis, and factor as the team’s most important player on a nightly basis.
Here are three things to consider as the Leafs enter the stretch run to the post season:
High-danger statistics
While the Leafs show a respectable high danger goals against, they are also ranked second, behind Tampa, in PDO (shooting plus save percentage). They also lead the league in high danger goals for, with 81. They rank eighth in scoring chance percentage, 13th in high danger shooting percentage and eighth in high danger goals for percentage. In other words, they have been trending all season long as a team that can live with high shot totals against, in part because of the excellence in goaltending, and in part because it is one of the leagues most dangerous teams in high danger scoring areas, and in creating them.
Health
Auston Matthews’ health remains an obvious concern for the Leafs. Matthews has now missed three straight games with a shoulder injury. While no official details on the injury have been released, its believed the damage is more muscular, which means two weeks of rest and recovery could be a timeline for his return. Anything beyond that, and the damage would obviously be more serious. It might also make Matthews a serious concern in the heavy going down the stretch, and in the playoffs.
First-round opponent
With just over a month to the playoffs, all eyes will be on the standings, where the Leafs and Bruins appear headed for a first round clash. What could tip the series for the Leafs? Tipped shots (they lead the NHL deflected shots, with James van Riemsdyk leading the league), and pure creativity in the high danger areas. What could tip it for Boston? Brute power, more experienced goaltending and stronger defensive play (Boston has given up the fewest goals against).