Last year after February 2017, the Leafs were good defensively. I thought they had adjusted to Babcock's system and the new players were playing with continuity.
This season, despite having a relatively stable lineup, their defensively has been worse than last year. Puzzling.
That's because we have an elite offense and have the talent to outscore our problems. All of our defensive metrics are in the toilet. Our total corsi and fenwick attempts against are both third last, but our elite offense means we're positive. Scoring chances against are bottom five, high danger chances against 10th worst but our elite offense means we're positive. We're winning games because we're positive in these metrics, but according to those stats it just means we're playing firewagon hockey. I agree with your general premise that the Leafs defense is underrated. I think we have the players and the coach to be far, far better. I think that these numbers are more the results of our poor team play than, "omg leafs d sux lol". If the Leafs want to be an elite team, they need to be better. The fix can be as simple as starting on time. 10 more minutes of effort per game sees those numbers go from bad to average. Fixing the breakout and getting hemmed in less sees those numbers go from bad to average. With our elite offense and good/great goaltending, average defensive metrics and make us an extremely good team.the Leafs are getting more shot attempts, more scoring chances, more high danger scoring chances, more expected goals, and more actual goals than their opponents.
That's because we have an elite offense and have the talent to outscore our problems. All of our defensive metrics are in the toilet. Our total corsi and fenwick attempts against are both third last, but our elite offense means we're positive. Scoring chances against are bottom five, high danger chances against 10th worst but our elite offense means we're positive. We're winning games because we're positive in these metrics, but according to those stats it just means we're playing firewagon hockey. I agree with your general premise that the Leafs defense is underrated. I think we have the players and the coach to be far, far better. I think that these numbers are more the results of our poor team play than, "omg leafs d sux lol". If the Leafs want to be an elite team, they need to be better. The fix can be as simple as starting on time. 10 more minutes of effort per game sees those numbers go from bad to average. Fixing the breakout and getting hemmed in less sees those numbers go from bad to average. With our elite offense and good/great goaltending, average defensive metrics and make us an extremely good team.
5v5 Score-Adjusted
49.75ca/60 (#18) -> 18th is bad.
39.08fa/60 (#24) -> 24th is really bad
28.61sa/60 (#24) -> 24th is really bad
27.64sca/60 (#17) -> 17th is bad
10.22hdsca/60 (#10) -> 10th is actually okay
2.50xga/60 (#28) -> terrible
2.34ga/60 (#18) -> 18th is bad
All of the numbers you just posted, with the exception of HDSCA/60, are terrible or at best below average.
5v5 Score-Adjusted
49.75ca/60 (#18)
39.08fa/60 (#24)
28.61sa/60 (#24)
27.64sca/60 (#17)
10.22hdsca/60 (#10)
2.50xga/60 (#28)
2.34ga/60 (#18)
the horrific ice at the ACC is also a problem.
Does the opposition play on different ice?
They are only bad because there is no context
"adjusted"
- 2nd in XGF/60
- 28'th in XGA/60
Leafs are missing that big minute munching #1Dman that plays 25+ minutes a night in all situations.
Defense by committee has its drawbacks as quantity is not as good as quality.
This.
We dont have "the guy" on D.
All of the numbers you just posted, with the exception of HDSCA/60, are terrible or at best below average.
Our D clearly needs an upgrade. Luckily we have money and assets.
My point isn't referencing one game, so that's kind of whatever to general reality....we need an upgrade on D if we can swing it.upgrade the D all you want, but last night's 40-odd shots against were mostly because our forwards were unable to maintain offensive zone possession.