Toronto Maple Leafs preview: John Tavares has Leafs on the edge of glory
Weaknesses
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot of strengths. I just decided to cover their two greatest strengths. However, the Leafs are not without their flaws. In fact, their primary flaw is a pretty darn big one. And it might well cost them a Stanley Cup.
Not Right
A huge reason why the Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2017-18 was because of their lack of defense on the right side. They were able to hone in on stopping their left side because guys like Hainsey, Zaitsev, and the incumbent Roman Polak couldn’t do anything with the puck.
Their left side is actually pretty darn good with Rielly, Gardiner, and Dermott. However, they’re going to be the focal point of other teams’ forechecks. It’s up to the Leafs right-handed defensemen to carry their weight. Carrick can move the puck decently, but that’s an issue with Hainsey and Zaitsev.
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Fourth Line
Everyone knows the Toronto Maple Leafs will have three lines of death. Their fourth line, though, won’t be too strong. And it might be slightly meaningful. Especially right after power plays. Keep in mind their top three centers (Matthews, Tavares, and Kadri) are on the power play. If the Leafs don’t score, that’ll leave each member of the trio gassed.
That would leave their fourth line to take the faceoff right after it ends. It’s what Babcock has traditionally done and he’s as stubborn as mule, so it’s not changing. That might be the most important role the fourth line plays. But it’s an important one regardless.