From Breakdowns to Breakthroughs: Five Statements on the Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs' season ended last year when they went against the Florida Panthers. What went wrong? What could have been fixed? By addressing these questions, we can determine the factors that contributed to their defeat and figure out how to overcome the Florida Panthers in the future.

Here are my five statements about what can be improved going into the next season.

Team Defense

The defense has to be more consistent this year. There were too many breakdowns in the defensive zone because of scoring chances in Toronto's end. Too many breakdowns in our defensive zone led to scoring chances for the opposition. Yes, I am adding the forwards into this category because they must support the defense. The defense was often left to their own devices as the forwards had already gone into the other zone, waiting for the defense to pass the puck when the defense had no one to pass it to. It is crucial that the forwards stick to their defensive responsibilities and do not expect the defense to cover for their mistakes. The defense has to be improved on this season.

Goaltending

Samsonov and Woll don't have to be outstanding, but they do have to be consistent. Samsonov was better than I thought he would be last season, often coming up big to save the team's bacon. We need him to continue being reliable and stepping up when the team needs him. It would behoove him to cut down on the bad goals. As for Woll, he has to give the team a chance to win. He must instill confidence in his teammates, assuring them that they can focus on playing their game without worrying about costly goals or disappointing performances from him. If both Samsonov and Woll perform above average, the Maple Leafs should be able to win their share of games. 

Matthews and Marner

Austin and Mitch have to be the team's leaders. They must be able to come through and put the wins on the board. There's no room for excuses. They're both the leaders in making the money. It's time to put up or shut up. If Matthews can score his regular 40 goals and Marner gets his 50 to 60 assists, all will be well. If they keep up the defensive play as they did last year, the two will be among the best players in the league, bottom bar none.

Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi

If Max and Tyler fit into the system, they will be great additions. If they can manage 20 goals and 25 assists, it would be miraculous. If these two players can replace Nylander's statistics, it would greatly benefit the team and make life much easier for the team. 

Team Chemistry

Last but not least is the team's chemistry. Every player will have to buy into the system this year. The success of the team relies on everyone fulfilling their roles. Coach Keef is responsible for preparing the Toronto Maple Leafs to embrace their responsibilities. It is essential for all the cogs of the team to function smoothly and efficiently, like a well-oiled machine.

Randy

Stepping Up Their Game: 5 Statements about the Islanders

The New York Islanders must step up their game this season. There are five areas that I feel the New York Islanders need to focus on in particular. Hence, the five statements.

Matthew Barzal & Bo Horvat

Matthew and Bo must learn to play nice with each other. For the Islanders to be a successful hockey team, these two players have to be the leaders of the team. They will have to learn each other's tendencies and where each will be. Bo needs to make the most of Matthew's passing setups, while Matthew needs to avoid making blind passes. Both are great skaters and are great at setting the pace. They have to learn to share the puck. If they both can share the spotlight, it will be an exciting New Year for the New York Islanders. With Horvat and Barzal accelerating their performance, the offense can become a formidable force.

The Islanders' Powerplay

To say the New York Islanders' powerplay is dismal is an understatement. There was no imagination. You can predict every powerplay what they were going to do. However, things are set to change this year with Barzal and Horvat making their mark; there will be an increase in passing, shooting, and scoring. Combine that with Noah Dobson's powerful shot, and New York should have a top-notch powerplay.  

Secondary scoring

The Isles need help from the second and third lines to pick up the scoring. The Islanders can't wholly rely on their top six players. The bottom six must add some oomph to the scoring. Players such as Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching, amongst others, have to learn to contribute to the scoring. If the bottom six cannot contribute to the scoring, the New York Islanders will have difficulty keeping up with the big boys.

Islanders Defense

The defense must continue to show the last season was no fluke. They must continue to add scoring to the offense. Pulock and Dobson will have to have career years for the Isles to succeed. They both have terrific slap shots. They must use them to their best advantage.

Coaching

Lambert and company have to be smart with the tools that they have among the players. It will be massive if the powerplays and the penalty kill are successful. These areas need to be improved for the team to succeed.

If the New York Islanders can improve in each of these areas, they will be a playoff team.

Randy,