4 Reasons for Optimism & 3 Concerns as Maple Leafs Hit the Playoffs

The Maple Leafs’ top six also benefits from solid depth around them. Max Domi’s recent hot streak has given the team a valuable secondary scoring option, and his play will be crucial as they head into the postseason. As long as the top six players continue to produce, the Maple Leafs will have the offensive firepower to compete with any team in the league.

2. Goaltending Depth and Stability

One of the biggest reasons for optimism heading into the playoffs is the goaltending depth the Maple Leafs have developed this season. Joseph Woll, who had struggled in recent games against the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, had an impressive bounce-back performance on Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks, stopping 29 of 32 shots. He was not at fault for either goal allowed, and his overall game gives fans and teammates confidence that he can be relied upon when needed.

Both Woll and Anthony Stolarz have been solid throughout the season. Having two capable goaltenders heading into the postseason is a significant advantage. The depth in goal allows head coach Craig Berube to rotate between the two without worrying about a significant drop-off in performance. With the intensity of the playoffs, the ability to lean on both goalies in a rotation or in case of injury is a huge asset.

3. Defensive Strength and Shot Blocking

The Maple Leafs’ defense has been a bright spot this season and consistently ranks near the top in defensive metrics. One of the most important aspects of this particular defense has been its shot-blocking ability. Against the Ducks, 11 different players blocked 22 shots, with 15 blocked by defensemen.

Chris Tanev, a key member of the Maple Leafs ‘defensive core, leads the team with 172 blocked shots and remains reliable on the back end. The six defensemen in Toronto’s lineup average just under 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. Together, they give the team a solid mix of size, physicality, and experience.

This defensive unit has collectively blocked over 700 shots this season, highlighting their commitment to preventing scoring chances. Heading into the playoffs, this defensive group has the size and experience needed to handle the intensity of postseason hockey.

4. Special Teams Contribution

While the Maple Leafs have been excellent at five-on-five, their special teams have also been a strength this season. The power play, led by Matthews and Marner, continues to be one of the best in the league. Toronto has shown the ability to capitalize on power-play chances when they arise. With their top players able to make significant impacts, the power play should be a dangerous weapon in the postseason.

On the penalty kill, the Maple Leafs are steady and have effectively neutralized opposing power plays. The team should be well-equipped to handle playoff pressure on special teams. Even David Kampf, a player who doesn’t get much press, excels at winning faceoffs and disrupting the opposition’s game plan.

Concerns Heading Into the Playoffs:

1. Depth Scoring Remains Inconsistent

While the Maple Leafs’ top six has been exceptional, the team’s depth scoring has been slightly more inconsistent. In last night’s victory over the Ducks, the third line of Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Scott Laughton scored the team’s first goal. Yet, their underlying numbers were poor at 5-on-5.

For the Maple Leafs to make a deep playoff run, they will need more consistent production from their bottom six. While the fourth line of Kampf, Lorentz, and Pontus Holmberg had a strong game, Toronto’s bottom six remains a work in progress. If the team can’t rely on its depth to contribute offensively, the pressure will fall too heavily on the top players, which could be problematic in a seven-game series.

2. Defensive Consistency Under Pressure

While the defense has been strong throughout the season, some concerns remain about their consistency, particularly when facing high-pressure situations. The Maple Leafs’ defensive corps can be prone to occasional lapses, and these mistakes can be magnified in the postseason.

Against the Ducks, Woll made several key saves to keep the Maple Leafs in control, especially when Anaheim started to gain momentum. The Maple Leafs’ defense will need to tighten up and ensure they are not giving up high-danger chances in the postseason, where one mistake can turn the tide of a playoff series.

3. Injury Concerns

Injuries are always a concern, but as the Maple Leafs approach the playoffs, the health of key players is critical. While the team has been fortunate with relatively few injuries to major players, heading into the postseason, health becomes critical. Players like Matthews, Marner, and Tanev have had to battle through minor injuries, and the possibility of key players going down during a playoff run is always a concern.

The Maple Leafs’ depth will be tested if any of their star players get injured, and the team will need to ensure that everyone is operating at full health when the playoffs begin.

Is a Strong Playoff Push Ahead?

As the Maple Leafs move toward the postseason, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The team’s top six players are pulling their weight, the goaltending and the defense have been solid, and special teams are performing well. However, there are still areas of concern, particularly with depth scoring, defensive consistency, and possible injuries.

If the Maple Leafs can address these concerns and continue playing to their strengths, they will be in a strong position to make a deep run in the playoffs. With just eight games remaining in the regular season, Toronto’s playoff push is about to get even more fun.

[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]