The Defensive Pairing That Can Change Everything for the Maple Leafs Playoff Run is Revealed
The Toronto Maple Leafs have an unusual defense core for a playoff team. Due to injuries and lack of assets to make a move at the deadline, the team is stuck with their current core. That being said, they have found ways to make it work.
Maple Leafs Unlock Defensive Pair With Unconventional Move
Leafs reporter Jonas Siegel revealed a new tactic the Leafs have used this season to create a solid defensive pair out of Jake McCabe and TJ Brodie. The following is an excerpt from his latest article on the Athletic.
TJ Brodie himself commented on what it has been like playing on his offside. He highlighted the fact that they have just a little extra time to make plays. Often times that is a deciding factor in NHL games.
The veteran defenseman has been playing particularly well lately, including a game where he lead the team in game score.
Leafs Top Defenseman Struggling With Critical Statistic For Playoffs
All of that being said, the McCabe Brodie pair is not foolproof. In fact, the Leafs have relatively bad stats with Brodie on the ice this season. The team is surrendering 2.8 expected goals against per 60 minutes with him on the ice and a whooping 12.4 high danger scoring chances against. Those numbers will not cut it in the playoffs.
Siegel noted one highly alarming statistic about Brodie that should have Leafs fans concerned. His defensive impact has dropped off from one of the best in the league last season.
What does this mean for Brodie and the Leafs? For starters, the team will need to be sound defensively throughout the playoffs. However, the team could attempt to outscore their problems as well. If Samsonov gets hot at the right time and the core-four light the lamp enough, that could be all the team needs to bring a championship to Toronto.
As seen on Why the T.J. Brodie and Jake McCabe partnership could make or break Maple Leafs
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