Auston Matthews' absence is starting to become a severe problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs
This in-depth analysis highlights several important themes surrounding the Maple Leafs' recent performances and strategic adjustments.
Here are the principal takeaways:
Impact of Auston Matthews' absence
The Leafs have managed to keep a respectable 5-1 record without Auston Matthews, but their even-strength play has suffered significantly.
They rank 30th in shot attempts with a 42.67% share which highlights the challenges of replacing an elite center like Auston Matthews in a lineup.
The power play and overtime wins have masked deeper issues, but this approach isn't sustainable in the long term.
Line adjustments amid injuries
Max Domi's injury has made the struggles on the second line with Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner even worse by leading to a lack of production.
The coaching staff has experimented by moving John Tavares alongside Mitch Marner, shifting Matthew Knies to Will Nylander's wing, and showing logical attempts to manage personnel challenges.
However, Max Domi's health and effectiveness remain a concern by limiting the lineup's flexibility.
Depth contributions and defensive pairing
David Kämpf has stepped up defensively and on the penalty kill by providing reliable shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Meanwhile, Bobby McMann's size and speed have added a dynamic element to the team and it's very welcome.
On defense, the McCabe-Tanev pairing has emerged as a standout shutdown unit and they are drawing praise for their chemistry and ability to break out under pressure.
Cultural shift under Craig Berube
MLSE CEO Keith Pelley highlighted a cultural transformation under Craig Berube and said they emphasized alignment between management and coaching on values like physicality and heavy play.
William Nylander's mixed response to Craig Berube's animated style raises questions about coaching dynamics, but the team's overall buy-in appears strong.
Division race and historical context
Unlike past seasons, the Leafs are firmly in the race for the Atlantic Division and they sit second with a .632 points percentage.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 19 | 256 ANSWERS Auston Matthews' absence is starting to become a severe problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs have what they need to make the Stanley Cup Final this year? | ||
| Yes | 175 | 68.4 % |
| No | 81 | 31.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
