The Toronto Maple Leafs are 4-2 and should probably be 6-0, after losing to the two worst teams in the NHL.
No doubt the Toronto Maple Leafs would like to have do-overs on those games, but it should be noted that they tied both games in the final two minutes, only to lose when a) their previously most reliable defensive defenseman made two errors on the same play, and b) they had what may honestly be the most ridiculous goal the NHL has ever called back, called back.
The rest of the NHL should tremble at the thought of a Leafs team that should have a perfect record even though Auston Matthews has but a single goal.
Let’s check in on the rest of the NHL.
Toronto Maple Leafs and NHL Week 2 News In Review
Before moving on to the rest of the league, let us stop to acknowledge John Tavares 900th career point. He is off to a strong start this season, and reports of his decline where, as I’ve said all along, greatly exaggerated.
In NHL injury news, Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens 1st overall pick is out with an injury. Not sure what the Canadiens are thinking with this guy in the NHL right now. How hard is it to tank, then take an extra year with a potential superstar on an entry-level deal?
Senators forward Josh “Chuck” Norris is out with what he assumes is an old karate injury acting up. According to TSN he’ll be out for a couple of weeks.
Also breaking news you won’t believe: Petr Mrazek is down with a groin injury. Gadzooks! I can’t believe it.
As for the standings, it’s early. The Atlantic Division’s entire roster of teams is between six and ten points. The Bruins are enjoying an 11% shooting percentage at 5v5, so don’t be too quick to anoint them as anything special. (naturalstattrick.com).
Even crazier, the Penguins are shooting 12% while stopping 97% of all pucks (5v5) which explains why they only lost once so far, and it was in OT.
The Oilers have the NHL’s lowest 5v5 shooting percentage right now, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have the fourth lowest. You can expect both of these teams to start scoring more frequently.
Based on early season stats, I would suggest that the Leafs, Oilers, Wild and Devils are way better than their records indicate.
The Canucks are not only winless, their save and shooting percentages are middle-of-the-pack, so they can’t even complain that they are getting that unlucky. They might just not be a good team.
The Leafs will look to win their second in a row on the road tonight as they visit the Golden Knights in Vegas.