Forty-two games of Craig Berube hockey have led to this: The Leafs have the sixth-best record in the league, on pace for 109 points, which would be good for second in what’s looking like a shallower Eastern Conference.
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What’s changed is the Leafs are no longer a possession team (24th in the league). They often get outshot (20th). Their goalies steal them games (3rd in save percentage). They allow scoring chances regularly (19th in expected goals against at even strength) but limit high-danger opportunities better than other clubs (12th).
They win more games with their penalty kill (7th) than their power play (18th). They’re no longer an offensive juggernaut (12th). But they hit (5th), block shots (6th), win faceoffs (4th), win when they score first (1st) and win in close games (3rd).
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If you’re a regular listener to our podcast, you’ve heard Jonas and I kick this subject back and forth all year: Can the Leafs keep winning this way — losing the possession battle, relying heavily on goaltending, and having a harder time scoring than we’re used to seeing given their talent level?
No they always choke.
