Toronto Maple Leafs: Barrie leading rejuvenated offence under Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up their second-straight win under new head coach Sheldon Keefe and Tyson Barrie has benefitted the most from the offensive breakout.
When Sheldon Keefe took over for Mike Babcock as the Toronto Maple Leafs new head coach some wondering what impact he could have right away. Safe to say the past two games have opened a lot of eyes.
Just look at Tyson Barrie‘s play. In just a week after many were wondering whether he would be on the trading block, he has scored in two straight games and has points since Keefe took over. This is why Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas made the coaching change because they knew the team was not playing to their strengths.
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Are there still defensive issues that need to be corrected? Of course, but some of those deficiencies can be aided by having your offence performing at an elite level which should be the case with the Leafs considering the talent they have.
At the same time, you can bet the new head coach will look back at the film from the Avalanche game and figure out where the Leafs are losing focus especially when they failed to clear the zone on multiple occasions in the final minute of the game.
What we are seeing as a big change under Keefe so far is how players in the offensive zone aren’t remaining stagnant on the cycle. Players are moving in the zone especially defencemen coming down from the blue line which in turn is opening up players especially in the slot.
They are also relying less on the dump and chase which is probably not something old school hockey minds will like to see but considering the Leafs have many capable puck movers, they should be using that skill to their advantage.
If the Leafs can continue to make strides offensively especially on the power play with Barrie moving to the top unit, Toronto should be able to get back into the conversation among the top teams in the Atlantic.
Next. Jason Spezza earning bigger role. dark
What do you think about the past two games from the Leafs? Who has impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments below.