With the preseason formally over, the Toronto Maple Leafs have proven promising indicators that ought to have followers excited for what lies forward. Whereas preseason outcomes aren’t at all times a dependable indicator of regular-season success, the crew demonstrated development in areas that might place them as a reputable contender this season.
On this put up, I’ll provide seven causes Maple Leafs followers ought to really feel optimistic heading into the 2024-25 season.
Purpose 1. The Chemistry Between Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner
Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have lengthy been some of the dynamic duos within the NHL, and the preseason confirmed they haven’t missed a beat. In final night time’s (Oct. 5) 3-2 win over the Detroit Pink Wings, their innate understanding of one another’s sport was plain, and their chemistry was displayed. They created offense with precision and pace.
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With Matthews’ deadly shot and Marner’s playmaking brilliance, this partnership ought to proceed to drive the Maple Leafs’ offense. As soon as once more, they’ll be an offensive powerhouse this season.
The Maple Leafs are displaying indicators of embracing a grittier, extra playoff-ready fashion below new head coach Craig Berube. Recognized for his no-nonsense, hard-nosed strategy to hockey, Berube’s affect is already evident in Toronto’s play. The crew has adopted a extra bodily, aggressive forecheck, specializing in attending to the soiled areas of the ice and creating site visitors in entrance of the online. This sort of “blue-collar” hockey is the sort that usually pays off within the playoffs, making the crew a extra formidable opponent in tight, grind-it-out video games.
One shock about Berube is that he doesn’t appear to be the ogre his popularity forewarned. Perhaps that’s nonetheless to return.
Purpose 3. Lane Lambert’s Aggressive Penalty Kill
The Maple Leafs’ penalty kill regarded sharp within the preseason, because of the brand new system applied by assistant coach Lane Lambert. The Maple Leafs have adopted a high-pressure strategy, forcing opponents to make fast selections and stopping them from sitting comfortably within the offensive zone. This aggressive penalty kill disrupts energy performs, making it tough for the opposition to get high quality scoring probabilities.
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The Pink Wings scored with the person benefit final night time, nevertheless it was extra of an unstoppable deflection than an issue with setup or philosophy. If this method holds up in the course of the common season, the Maple Leafs may considerably enhance their particular groups efficiency, which might be a game-changer in tight contests.
Purpose 4. Particular Groups Are Clicking
Past simply the penalty kill, the Maple Leafs energy play was firing on all cylinders within the preseason. With Matthews main the cost final night time, the Maple Leafs’ man-advantage unit scored twice on 4 tries. The stress was deadly, and the group transformed alternatives with precision.
Particular groups can typically be the distinction between profitable and dropping within the NHL, and if the Maple Leafs’ energy play continues to hum alongside prefer it did within the preseason, they’ll be a tricky crew to beat. A robust energy play mixed with an efficient penalty kill offers the crew a big edge in shut video games.
Purpose 5. Improved Protection and Identification Formation
One of many largest surprises in the course of the preseason was the Maple Leafs’ improved defensive play – particularly as carried out by the kids and the crew’s depth gamers. Whereas Toronto is historically identified for its high-powered offense, the crew centered extra on its 200-foot sport this preseason, emphasizing limiting scoring probabilities and controlling the puck.
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With the addition of big-bodied defensemen like Philippe Myers, the Maple Leafs are displaying they will play a extra rugged, defensive fashion. This shift towards a stronger protection will assist them compete towards the NHL’s prime groups, particularly within the postseason when defensive depth turns into essential.
Purpose 6. Roster Depth and Wholesome Competitors
The competitors for roster spots is fierce, and that’s an excellent signal for the Maple Leafs. Gamers like Nicholas Robertson impressed throughout camp, making a strong case for a spot within the middle-six together with his five-goal efficiency. The depth the crew is constructing on each ahead and protection means they’ll have extra flexibility all through the season to rotate gamers and preserve the lineup recent. This depth, significantly on protection, will be the distinction between making a deep playoff run and bowing out early, as accidents are inevitable throughout an 82-game season.
Purpose 7. Emergence of a Dependable Fourth Line
The Maple Leafs’ fourth line has the potential to develop into an important element of the crew’s success this season. With veterans like David Kämpf and Ryan Reaves bringing a mixture of defensive reliability and physicality, this line may catalyze sport momentum. Steven Lorentz seems like he provides one thing to the combo, and followers ought to count on him to be signed quickly. His teammates appear to understand him.
The fourth line won’t be relied upon for heavy scoring, however their function in carrying down opponents, killing penalties, and taking part in strong protection will make them a crucial a part of the crew’s general success. A dependable fourth line is important for a crew with playoff aspirations, and the Maple Leafs seem to have the suitable items in place.
The Maple Leafs Appear Extra Balanced, Assured, and Prepared for the Problem
The Maple Leafs enter the common season trying extra balanced and assured than in recent times. They’re positioning themselves for a deep playoff run by bolstering their defensive sport, rising physicality, and bettering particular groups. The chemistry of their prime stars, Matthews and Marner, is plain, whereas the crew has constructed spectacular depth throughout the lineup. Followers have loads of causes to really feel optimistic concerning the season forward.
The Maple Leafs have the instruments to succeed. If they will preserve their preseason kind and proceed rising inside their new programs, this might be the season they overcome their playoff struggles and make a reputable push for the Stanley Cup. However then, we’ve heard related potentialities for no less than the previous 5 – 6 seasons. Nonetheless, with the right combination of talent, grit, and construction, Toronto appears well-prepared for the challenges forward.
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The Maple Leafs are in a robust place because the common season approaches. Preseason play signifies that the crew has embraced new methods and is creating a extra balanced, playoff-ready id. Sturdy particular groups, a sturdier protection, and depth all through the roster present strong causes for optimism.
The important thing for the crew will probably be sustaining its momentum and preserving its core gamers wholesome. With Matthews and Marner main the way in which, alongside a extra bodily and structured supporting solid, the Maple Leafs look able to affect the 2024-25 NHL season considerably.
One Ultimate Notice: Listening to the Radio
Final night time, I listened to the Maple Leafs preseason sport on the radio. As at all times, Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph introduced their degree of enjoyable and data to the published. Nonetheless, this season, former NHLer Anthony Stewart is on the air in the course of the intervals and on the finish together with his evaluation. He’s good at what he does and price listening to—his essential insights on the crew’s efficiency seemingly discovered their approach into this put up.
I’ve two issues to say about Stewart. First, I hope he sticks round and is a part of the radio crew for all the season. Second, thanks for the insights concerning the crew.
