It feels line the team plays to the level of their opposition when the game is up for grabs and only once they're down a goal or two, are they finally able to play to their strengths. They take full advantage of score effects, that is, they're more inclined to taking risks like having defensemen jumping into the play, etc.
When Babcock coached this team in year one, defenders were encouraged to, if they had enough support, disrupt zone entries, rush the puck, make small passes to transition to offense. Even the forecheck seemed to have a purpose (might be rose coloured glasses here though).
Now ever since he made it his duty to teach the team "how to play defense", the quality of play has stagnated. When was the last time our defense actively tried disrupting zone entries? Dermott used to do it, so did Gardiner, Marincin, and Rielly too. What's the most used method of clearing the zone? It's either the puck being rimmed around the half wall to a winger (with a guy all over him), chip off the glass, a stretch pass that goes for an icing, or a lob into the neutral zone.... It's boring hockey that isn't suited to the Leafs' player personnel.
Boys need a setup that highlights their speed and unfortunately the coach is not getting the hint. Not when the Leafs lead the league in icings. Not when they fail to draw as many hooking, holding, interference, or puck over the glass penalties. The structural problems are being masked by a previously prolific PP, and Andersen's exceptional goaltending...and yes, although you need a good goalie to win in the playoffs, that isn't everything. Compare the level of play with a team like Boston, even if you don't look at the first line. It's good, solid hockey that I've not been able to see from the Leafs in 80-90% of the games I've watched.
