The Toronto Maple Leafs currently find themselves in the 7th position in the NHL in terms of points percentage, boasting an impressive 6-1-3 record in their last ten games, securing 80% of the available points. This performance mirrors that of a President’s Trophy and Stanley Cup contender, positioning them just six points behind the division-leading Boston Bruins with a game in hand.
Despite facing various injuries, with the exception of their rookie goalie, the Leafs have maintained their stellar results. On the surface, their success appears to align with preseason expectations, and fans have reason to be excited about the team’s performance.
However, a closer examination reveals concerns about the sustainability of the Leafs’ record, leading the author to coin the term “Ottawa-Edmonton Syndrome.” This syndrome refers to teams that reach the Stanley Cup Finals based on fortunate circumstances but may struggle to maintain their success over the long term. The fear is that the Leafs’ current luck may eventually result in numerous losses unless proactive measures are taken by the general manager to address underlying issues.
While acknowledging the Leafs’ solid core, the author emphasizes the importance of playing complete, dominating games to increase their likelihood of winning the Stanley Cup. Presently, the Leafs face challenges such as a low expected-goals percentage, frequent overtime games, and an unsustainable record in one-goal games.
One particularly astonishing aspect highlighted is the Leafs’ performance in games where they either blow a multi-goal lead or stage a comeback from one. Out of 25 games played, 12 have gone to overtime, and in 11 of those 25, the Leafs have either blown a multi-goal lead or come back from one. What’s even more extraordinary is that they remain undefeated in these situations.
As of December 12th, the Leafs boast a remarkable 7-0-4 record in games where they either blew or came back from a two or more goal deficit. When facing a two-goal deficit, they are 3-0-1, and when coming back from such a deficit, they are 4-0-3. This feat is unprecedented, as conventional wisdom dictates that going down two goals or blowing a lead usually results in a loss.
The statistical analysis reveals that the Leafs’ success in these situations defies the norm, with an 82% points percentage in these games. This raises questions about the sustainability of such a streak and the team’s ability to continue defying the odds.
In essence, while the Leafs’ current performance is undeniably impressive, concerns linger about the team’s long-term prospects, prompting a critical examination of underlying factors and the need for strategic adjustments to secure sustained success in the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
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