8 numbers to sum up the Leafs’ season so far
By Paul Taylor
We take a look at eight numbers, which help summarize the 2017/18 season so far for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It’s fair to say it’s been an eventful season so far for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In that respect, we thought we would break down eight numbers, which best summarize the 2017/18 season up to this point for the Buds:
48
This represents the number of points the Leafs had after 41 games. Interestingly, this is the exact same number of points they had after 41 games last season as well. If Toronto maintains their current pace for the duration of the regular season, 96 points should be enough to ensure a second consecutive trip to the playoffs. (96 points has been enough to qualify for the playoffs in the East in three of the last four seasons.)
10
This is the number of games Auston Matthews has missed this season, due to injury. Regardless, he still leads the Leafs in goals and overall points. Further, if he can keep up his current point-per-game pace and not miss any more playing time, he would surpass his rookie total of 69 overall points.
26
How many assists Morgan Rielly has produced so far this season, to lead the team. It is one away from his career best of 27, set during the 2015/16 season. He is also just six overall points away from his single season best of 36, set during the same campaign. This is just a couple of ways to help prove the analysis of many — including his coach Mike Babcock — that this is the best season of Rielly’s career.
4
The number of times the Toronto Maple Leafs have allowed six goals in a game this season. The opponents were the New Jersey Devils (Oct. 11), Ottawa Senators (Oct. 21), St. Louis Blues (Nov. 4) and Vegas Golden Knights (Dec. 31). Unsurprisingly, they lost all four games.
141
On the flip side, the Leafs have been scoring for fun this season, with 141 representing how many goals they have through 43 games. This is the third-highest total in the league. They have twice scored eight goals, scored seven times on a couple of occasions and scored six goals in three games.
40
How many penalty minutes Matt Martin has accrued so far this season, to lead the Leafs. This is understandable, given Martin is a hard-hitting player, who thrives on the physical nature of hockey. Roman Polak is second on the team with 30 penalty minutes, followed by Nazem Kadri with 23 penalty minutes.
22
How many wins Frederik Anderson has through 35 starts, to highlight his importance to the team. He is well on course to surpass the 33 wins he registered in his first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He should also surpass his career high of 35 wins, which came during the 2014/15 season with the Anaheim Ducks.
1
Arguably the most important number on this list, because if relates to Johnny Bower, both in terms of his jersey number and how much he meant to everyone associated with the Leafs. He sadly passed away on Dec. 26 at the age of 93, after a short battle with pneumonia. Other numbers associated with him include four (Stanley Cup championships), two (Vezina Trophies) and 87 (his ranking among the top 100 NHL players of all time).
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Which of the numbers mentioned, do you find most important to the season so far? Further, are there any other numbers you believe should be included, to help summarize the Leafs’ campaign up to this point? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.