For the first time in what feels like forever (okay, since before the 2004-05 lockout), the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the halfway point of the season leading the Atlantic Division. Their 26-13-2 record has them sitting pretty, but this team is far from perfect — and that’s what makes it all the more exciting.
Here’s the scoop: Auston Matthews has missed over a third of the season, and November was basically a rotating cast of forwards thanks to injuries. But somehow, the Leafs are thriving. How? Elite goaltending.
Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll have been phenomenal, turning what was a glaring weakness last season into one of the team’s biggest strengths. Chris Tanev’s addition on defense has also been a game-changer.
Oh, and let’s not forget William Nylander and Mitch Marner. Nylander is lighting the lamp like a man on a mission (second-most goals in the league!), while Marner is dishing out assists like he’s in a video game. Even John Tavares is on pace to flirt with 40 goals.
In case you missed it: Paul Bissonnette tips Mitch Marner for Selke and Art Ross
Still, there’s work to do. At five-on-five, the Leafs are just average — or worse. They’re getting outshot when games are tied and sit 24th in shot share overall. But here’s the kicker: when Matthews plays, they look more like a top-10 team. If they can get healthy and tighten up, this group is scary.
The Division Race: Who’s Chasing the Leafs?
Florida Panthers: The reigning champs are still a force but have some issues on defense and in net. Sergei Bobrovsky hasn’t been his Vezina-winning self (.899 save percentage), and they miss Brandon Montour badly. Still, their firepower makes them a playoff nightmare.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Don’t let their third-place spot fool you — they’ve been riding some serious luck. A monster December from Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov helped, but their depth is shaky, and their stats scream regression.
Boston Bruins: Mediocrity is the word. They’ve got a struggling goalie (Jeremy Swayman), a shallow forward group, and a banged-up defense. If Swayman doesn’t turn it around, they’re in trouble.
Ottawa Senators: With Linus Ullmark out, they’re sinking fast. Their offense is solid, and the defense is fine, but no goalie means no playoffs. Simple as that.
Montreal Canadiens: They’re plucky. Patrik Laine makes them dangerous, and they’re hanging around the wildcard race. Will they sell or buy at the deadline? Stay tuned.
Detroit Red Wings: A new coach bump has them winning a few games, but this team isn’t bad enough to tank or good enough to contend.
Buffalo Sabres: Curtains. A 13-game losing streak after Rasmus Dahlin got hurt was the dagger.
What’s Next for Toronto?
The Leafs are winning games, but they’ve yet to hit their stride. Their power play is mid-tier, and their five-on-five play needs a boost. Adding a quality defenseman and maybe a right-handed center at the trade deadline could be the finishing touches.
For now, they’re piling up points, sitting atop the division, and giving Leafs fans something they’ve been waiting for: hope. Could this be the year? Let’s not jinx it, but they’re in a great spot. Keep watching — it’s going to be a wild ride.