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Are the Maple Leafs Tough Enough for the Postseason?

Are the Maple Leafs Tough Enough for the Postseason?

In the Toronto Maple Leafs’ last game, they lost to the Boston Bruins by a score of 5-2. Interestingly, looking at the analytics doesn’t tell the whole story of the game. The advanced statistics would indicate that the Maple Leafs played better overall than the 5-2 score would suggest.

According to Naturalstatrick.com, in all situations, the Maple Leafs had 60% of the Shot Attempts, 63% of the Scoring Chances, 65% of the High-Danger Scoring Chances, and 59% of the Expected Goals. Given those numbers, what was the difference between the two teams? 

Related: Ken Dryden’s “The Game,” Still a Classic

Reading notes at the end of the post I wrote after the game, readers believe the difference between the two teams was the measure of toughness. That perception seems worth exploring seriously. 

The question that emerges for me as a writer who covers the Maple Leafs is whether the Bruins might have exposed the Maple Leafs Achilles heel. Are the Maple Leafs tough enough to compete when the postseason rolls around?

Tough Play Has Always Been Part of Hockey

Almost since its inception, hockey has been a rough and tough game. On the heels of a hotly-contested battle between the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1949, the great Conn Smythe was reported to have stated about winning in the NHL: “If you can’t beat ’em in the alley, you can’t beat ’em on the ice.” 

Jean Beliveau, winner of the first Conn Smythe Trophy. (THW Archives)

Ironically, the statement comes from the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the Maple Leafs. His is name is also attached to the Conn Smythe Trophy awarded annually to the most valuable player of his team during the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs. 

The comment emphasizes the importance of physical and mental toughness in winning in the NHL. Smythe believed a winning NHL team would necessarily combine aggressiveness, intensity, and toughness – both on and off the ice. Otherwise, it would be difficult to win. 

Related: Looking Back: The Logic of the Maple Leafs 2022-23 Roster

Smythe’s philosophy has been followed by many successful NHL teams. These include the Philadelphia Flyers, who exemplified tough physical play during the 1972-73 season, or even the Montreal Canadiens of that same era. 

It’s also been the mantra more recently of the Bruins, who are known for their tough and aggressive style of play. During Wednesday’s game before the…

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