Comparing 2024-25 Maple Leafs to last season – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are now 10 games into the 2024-25 regular season and like previous seasons, there have been plenty of results. With new faces in the lineup and a new coaching staff leading the way, it is clear to see that it is still time for changes in this team as it is 5-4-1.

The Maple Leafs got off to a great start in their first six games going 4-2-0, but followed that up with three straight losses, two of which were unsurprising to say the least and overtime losses to the struggling Boston Bruins. after losing the lead. Bad reads have been the result and the pressure play continues to be poor.

Overall, there have been signs of progress in terms of innovation and logic. Although it may not seem like it, this is a different team than last season. If there is any indication, October is always difficult, but they manage to turn things around this time. Here’s how the Maple Leafs fared last season compared to the start of this one.

Demonstrating Immunity Development

What stood out the most in the Maple Leafs games last season was their lack of defensive play and ability to defend the field. It was definitely a concern and was for most of last season heading into the postseason.

The Maple Leafs’ defensive numbers are slightly lower than they were last year in terms of goals against and shots against. Although we can’t forget that they lost three times to Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Before that game, they actually looked like a completely different team with their scoring and the limitation of shots and opportunities.

Here’s a rundown of those results from last season to this one.

Their structure is much better as they defend the run better and don’t allow attackers to reach the middle easily. They have limited their chances of high danger (31 fewer) and goals scored (six fewer) since last season. That’s in part with new additions like Chris Tanev getting into the lane and Anthony Stolarz making the stops the team needs him to make.

Related: Maple Leaves Finally Have a Strong Depth of Goal in Their Organization

If there’s another good thing to watch out for, it’s their penalty kill as they are a top 15 team in the league when they’re down a man. It wasn’t really the case last season as that was a major weakness. The Maple Leafs are doing a better job of being aggressive and aggressive and forcing attackers to make plays that don’t fit into their game plan. Thanks to Lane Lambert’s new show as they have done a great job. TSN’s Frank Corrado did a great job explaining the change in their schedule and formation.

Despite the hiccups of late, the promise is there for the Maple Leafs to be a consistent defensive team. The attention to detail is much better compared to last season and their performances in the first month against tough opponents proved that.

Power Play Struggles

While the penalty kill has quickly become a strength after a weakness, the same cannot be said for the Maple Leafs’ power play. The power play has been a hot topic for as long as it has been cold last season and in the playoffs, passing 4.8% in their series against the Bruins.

Their struggles and woes have carried over into this season where the Maple Leafs currently have 29 players^th ranked power play, with a click of 9.4%. This time last season, they were fifth overall with 29.4%. It’s truly amazing how a team with this much talent can continue to be so cold in what should be a powerhouse. Head coach Craig Berube recently expressed confidence that could change.

The Maple Leafs benefit from more speed in the backcourt with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, making the move a more viable option. However, their installation and setup is still questionable. Passing to John Tavares when coming in is hit or miss, making it better to just drop and rush to get behind the defenders. When in possession, they don’t press or get into the middle of the ice to be a threat. Their passing is fast enough to knock opponents out of position and give up shooting opportunities.

The Maple Leafs have already changed things up in an effort to try and get things going. It is definitely possible that they can come out at any time by helping a man. The only question is when. They really need to find a rhythm as there are many reasons for their constant struggles. More on their execution and setup in the entry.

Depth of Measurement is Developing

While you need your top players to step up, you also need the rest of the system to be productive. Last season, the foursome of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Tavares had 22 goals after the first 10 games. From the front without them, there were only six.

This season Matthews, Nylander, Marner and Tavares combined for 16 goals. The rest chipped in with 12 goals, led by Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann with five and three goals respectively. Even point production is there. Max Domi had six assists, Knies had six points and McMann had four early. Many wondered what the second production would be like and it got off to a good start.

There have been times when the goal depth was better than the top players. Most notably, Knies’ play as he became a fixture on that front line with his power forward play and ability to be dangerous in front of the net. He provides a great support role for Matthews and Marner and continues to raise his game in every game.

Although only 10 games have been played, the Maple Leafs have shown some improvement in certain aspects of their game compared to last season. There is a new identity where they play more in your face style and dedication to defense. Their power play continues to be a weak spot but they are capable of fighting to be a complete team.

Related: Maple Leafs Get Jake McCabe For Fair Price

If history is any indication, October is a struggle, but November is when they find their game. Could the same happen this season?

Statistics from Natural Stat Trick and the NHL.