Dallas is currently the worst defensive team in the NHL, averaging 3.38 goals against per game. The Leafs, still the league’s highest scoring team, have a good opportunity tonight to bounce back after getting shutout in Chicago on Sunday. However, the Stars are surging (four in a row), and with the Leafs struggling defensively themselves, it’s hard not to picture this going the way of a Texas shootout.
Leafs death-cember started a bit late but 17 of 22 on road begins with 0-3-0. Season may ride on this stretch.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) December 22, 2014
Tuesday Links:
- David Johnson: Optimizing the Leafs Forward Lines (MLHS)
- Jonas Siegel: Leo Komarov won’t be seen again until January at earliest (Twitter)
- Jonas Siegel: Carlyle’s embracing analytics, Kessel’s best year (TSN)
- TSN1050: Steve Spott on Kessel, Leafs’ challenges playing a structured game (Audio)
- James Mirtle: Most improved possession players in 2014-15 + more (Globe & Mail)
- Steve Buffrey: Maple Leafs coach wants bodies in front (Toronto Sun)
- Kaitlyn McGrath: Leafs try their best to sing Jingle Bell rock (National Post)
- Michael Langlois: Time to trade Jake Gardiner (Vintage Leaf Memories)
- David Satriano: Maple Leafs focus on even-strength play facing Stars (NHL.com)
- Bill Meltzer: Stars Game Day vs. Toronto (Hockeybuzz)
