The Toronto Maple Leafs eked out a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday, extending their strong form to an impressive 8-2-0 in their last ten games. The win once again showed the team’s ability to grind out results in tight contests, a trait that will be crucial as they head into a challenging stretch of games.
Goaltender Joseph Woll has been nothing short of phenomenal this year so far. In his last two starts, Woll has faced 56 shots, turning away 54 of them.
With a .964 save percentage, a 1.00 goals-against average, and a shutout, he’s proving his worth as one of the NHL’s top-performing goalies this season. Alongside Anthony Stolarz, who leads the league in save percentage, the duo forms an efficient partnership with a combined cap hit of just $3.27 million. For a Leafs team aiming to balance star power and budget-friendly depth, their tandem has been a godsend.
Defensively, the Leafs have tightened the screws. Connor Timmins has allowed the fewest five-on-five goals per minute among all NHL defensemen, with Simon Benoit close behind. Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev have established themselves as a reliable shutdown pairing, taking on opponents’ top lines and neutralizing threats night after night.
Their efforts have been instrumental in keeping the Leafs among the league’s best in goals against, where they rank tied for second with just 29 allowed.
What the stats look like for the Maple Leafs on paper
Across the board, Toronto’s team stats paint an interesting picture. They rank third in team save percentage (.919), fifth in faceoff wins, and sixth in penalty kill efficiency at 83.6%.
Their power play, however, has room for improvement, sitting at 19.7%. Even so, their physicality and commitment to defense are clear, as seen in their seventh-ranked shot blocks and ninth-ranked hits given.
#LeafsForever stats this season: Third in save percentage, fifth in faceoff wins, and sixth in penalty killing? Yes, please! The power play could use a jolt (19.7% isn’t exactly stellar), but when you’re seventh in shot blocks and ninth in hits, there’s no doubting the grit.
— Leandro McConnell (@FromTheBend) November 26, 2024
Mitch Marner has been simply on another level this year. While some remain anxious about his contract situation, Marner’s on-ice contributions has been just undeniable. Even Paul Bissonnette tipped Marner for Selke and Art Ross.
He’s been more active in shooting the puck, and his overall playmaking continues to shine. Head coach Craig Berube praised him, saying it’s “business as usual” for Marner, who remains a crucial part of the team in all situations.
🎙️Leandro McConnell on Marner's contract situation at FromTheBend PuckDrop:
— SportsLegit Inc (@SportsLegitInc) November 26, 2024
"And then there’s Mitch Marner. Contract drama? What contract drama? He’s out there doing what he does best. Dazzling with his playmaking, stepping up his shooting, and earning praise from N to S…"
The road ahead won’t be easy. Toronto’s next ten games include matchups against powerhouses like Florida, Tampa Bay, and New Jersey. These games will test their mettle, particularly as they look to maintain their position near the top of the standings.
Still, the Leafs can take comfort in their dominant home record, where they’ve gone 10-3-0, the best in the league this season. If they can bring that same energy to the road, they’ll be in a solid position to keep their momentum going and make a statement as one of the NHL’s elite teams.
The victory over Utah was another step forward, but the real challenge lies in what’s to come. With Woll holding the fort, a disciplined defense, and Marner leading the charge, Toronto has the tools to keep thriving. Now, it’s time to see if they can carry this form through the tests ahead.