The Maple Leafs have been running on all cylinders of late. It seems like everything they do turns into gold. Seriously what is happening in Toronto? I have gotten all sorts of answers. The most popular one is the Maple Leafs are buying into the defensive game in front of the goalies. This is very accurate. I have especially noticed how well the forwards have been coming back into the zone and coming out as a unit. The defense, knowing their limitations, is doing only what is needed. It is vital that they not get caught out of position.
Another answer is less obvious. I asked my source his thoughts on why the Maple Leafs continue to win. He promptly answered: Mitch Marner. Mitch is on an 18-game point streak, but he does much more than just score goals. Mitch has led the Forwards. Since the Reilly injury, Mitch has put a lot of work into his defensive game.
The third answer is goaltending. Whether it was Murray, Samsonov, or Kallgren, bad goals have been nonexistent. It is much easier to play defense when your goalie has your back. I wanted to comment on the job Erik Kallgren did in the absence of Samsonov. Kallgren was nothing short of outstanding. He gave the Leafs every chance to win. The Maple Leafs don't need goaltending to be perfect. What they need is to be steady. For the most part, he was there doing his job and bailing them out.
Final word
There has been a suggestion that the Leafs might return to their old style when Brodie and Reilly come back. Hear me out. They should not because they're playing playoff hockey; their style will win defense and championships.
Randy
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