Maple Leafs Defensive Pairing Shows No Sign of Slowing Down as Recent Stats Emerge
The Maple Leafs defense has changed drastically since last season and a huge reason is because of the NHL's best blueline pairing.
Brad Treliving's main goal this offseason was to make sure Toronto's defense and goaltending was as good as it possibly could be, and added big names like Anthony Stolarz, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Chris Tanev.
Beyond Stolarz's brilliance, the resurgence of Ekman-Larsson has been a great story so far this season.
But it's Tanev specifically who has come in and elevated Toronto to having the best defensive pairing in the league.
Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe Shutting Down The Opposition
Toronto's pairing of McCabe and Tanev are the epitome of a shutdown duo. Only allowing 1.36 goals against per 60 is a strikingly low number, showing that teams are barely able to get shots, let alone the puck in the net.
A 2.7+ goal differential also shows just how good both men are at controlling their own zone and allowing the offense to break out and get those opportunities.
It's the fearlessness of both men that have also been a huge boost for the Maple Leafs. Tanev has an absurd 90 blocked shots already, and McCabe has 51 while both men aren't shy about throwing their body around either.
The way both men stay poised even under pressure is a testament to just how good they are. Toronto does still give up their fair share of chances, but Tanev and McCabe do the best job at minimizing them.
Neither man is expected to light up the scoreboard, however McCabe has seven assists and Tanev has one goal and seven assists, so their offensive contributions have also helped at times.
It's clear Toronto values both men too, as they went out and traded for the rights to sign Tanev before locking him up long-term.
McCabe signed a five-year extension earlier this season as Toronto's defensive core is basically locked up for the foreseeable future.
Craig Berube preaches about having a gritty and no-nonsense style of play, and expects his team to dig into corners, block shots, throw hits, and generally play a scrappier version of hockey than they're used to.
But it's working, because McCabe and Tanev are a huge reason why.
