The first half of the season has been an unexpected and indisputable success: while running out a staggering average of eight rookies per-game, the Leafs have been one of the NHL’s best offensive, and most exciting teams.
They are one of three teams in their division with a positive goal-differential and, if you prorate their goals per-game to match how many games Montreal has played, they have scored about half a goal less than the division leaders in that category.
If there is one thing holding the Leafs back it is protecting a lead after two periods.