You didn't think the Leafs would continue to shoot at 12.5% all year did you? That was the team shooting percentage about their game in Columbus last Thursday; a game in which the Maple Leafs scored 4 goals on 18 shots. Everyone knew that was a fluke occurrence and that a regression to the mean was in store for the Leafs, everyone didn't think that would be the reality only two games later.
Over the past 3 seasons the average team shooting percentage in the NHL has been 9.18%. After 1 goal in over 7 periods of hockey, the Leafs team shooting % has now fallen to 10.84%, and will likely continue to fall until it reaches somewhere around what should be their overall season average of 9.50-9.75%. So what does that mean for Leafs fans? Prepare to see a couple more low scoring games for the Leafs in the near future.
But Skinny, you say, many teams are able to win games in which they only score a couple of goals. Yes, this is true. However these teams possess something the Leafs do not; good goaltending. Because you see....
Leafs Have Monster Problems in Goals - James Mirtle at the Globe and Mail
Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Jonas (The Monster) Gustavsson was beaten three times on 21 shots in what became a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, as the third-year Swede looked nervous and often out of position before he was yanked for spotting the visitors a 3-zip lead by the second period.
This was his first start in nearly a week, but it could be his last for a while.
Follow the link to keep reading Mirtle's take on the Leafs goaltending situation. More links after the jump.
Leafs Links
What if There Was a Centennial and Nobody Noticed?
1967ers with the interesting tale of the Tecumsehs and the Blue Shirts and the 100 year anniversary that isn't.
Puck Buddys' own Andrews interviews Patrick Burke, Brian's son and Brendan's brother.
Who's the Real Number 2 in Toronto?
Number 2 is right. They stink.
11 - At least we weren't shut out.
Don't look now. Dion has no points in his last 5 games. Speaking of the Captain,
The 10 Best Body Checks of Dion Phaneuf's Career
The Score brings the pain.
Ginger Snowflake has a message for the Leafs to head while the puck is in the defensive zone.
Congrats to Matt on being the 8th most searched buy-out contract on Capgeek.
Other Links
Success Stories from the NHL's Opening Month
DGB with some early season triumphs.
