Komarov propelling Leafs’ offence
Leo Komarov scored his NHL career-high 10th goal Monday night against Edmonton, part of another well-rounded performance that has been something of an unexpected development for the Maple Leafs.
Komarov scored twice — on the power play in the first period and into an empty net in the third — to help Toronto to a 3-0 win and prop up an incredible night for rookie goalie Garret Sparks, who posted a shutout in his first NHL start.
Komarov’s 10 goals have been an unexpected bounty for a Leafs team that is still trying to sort out its finish on offence while paying attention to the all-zone responsibilities in Mike Babcock’s systems.
The Estonia-born forward leads the team in goals — a result that would likely not have been in any Leafs forecast two months ago.
In fact, Komarov has more goals than linemate Nazem Kadri has points (nine) — a potential trivia question on a team that is in the bottom third of the NHL in goals with 56.
“I’m playing with great players,” Komarov told Sportsnet during the first-period intermission, referring to linemates Kadri and James van Riemsdyk, who had three assists Monday. “The bounces are going my way.”
Dion Phaneuf picked up an assist on Komarov’s first goal — Phaneuf’s third assist in the last two games — to take over the team lead in points temporarily. Van Riemsdyk passed him when Komarov scored into the empty net.
Kadri got a stick on a Jake Gardiner shot to tip in the Leafs’ second goal — midway through the third period — as the Leafs broke a three-game winless streak (0-2-1).
Few would have guessed Komarov and Phaneuf would emerge as team leaders in goals and points if they were laying bets on those outcomes to open the season. But Komarov has clearly arrived at a good place two months into the season after a stalled start to the season.
“I thought (Komarov’s line) had a strong third period . . . but Leo, Leo plays hard,” coach Babcock said.
Komarov, a noted body checker and frequent agitator with his aggressiveness, has found a comfort zone under Babcock. His value extends to several levels beyond the pleasant surprise of his goal production.
He leads the Leafs in shooting percentage as well, posting a 17.24 per cent mark before Monday.
He’s playing on the top line, he has averaged a career high of 16:44 min- utes of ice time per game, and his line is posting solid possession figures.
Babcock first placed him on the line to connect Komarov’s forechecking skills with the playmaking and scoring talents of Kadri and van Riemsdyk.
The spinoffs have shown up in the advanced stats, with Kadri seventh in the NHL in iCorsi, or individual Corsi, and van Riemsdyk 38th in the possession metric.
Komarov’s value also shows itself in the dressing room, where his personality keeps players loose. The 28year-old can speak five languages and amazed his teammates when he pulled out as many passports one day in the dressing room.
He’s also grown an impressive handlebar moustache as part of the Movember campaign for men’s health, something that might prompt more superstitious goal scorers to keep. But Komarov will get out his razor as the calendar turns to December Tuesday.
“I’ll shave it for sure,” he said.
Leafs winger Leo Komarov has more goals (10) this season than linemate Nazem Kadri has points (nine)