The Numbers Behind Maple Leafs' Offensive Talent Making Up For Glaring Defensive Issues

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to keep the puck out of their net so far this season. Fingers could be pointed at multiple areas, including Sergei Bobrovsky's recent performances in the crease. However, the numbers reflect the bigger picture of how the Maple Leafs have fared so far this season, specifically defensively.

They've been excellent offensively, leading the league in goals scored after Wednesday's contest against the Seattle Kraken, with 56 in 15 games.

On the other side of the equation, they've also been one of the worst teams defensively. Following their last game, Toronto has allowed the joint-second-most goals against, with 50.

With their 7-6-2 record and still hovering around a wild-card spot, the Maple Leafs have been able to outscore their problems on numerous occasions. That was almost true against the Kraken when Auston Matthews tied the game late, only for Seattle to regain the lead a minute later.

It's not just scoring goals in which Toronto sits near the top of the league. They have fared well in other offensive categories, proving their attack is legit and likely sustainable in head coach Jim Hiller's system.

Following Toronto's result against Seattle, at 5-on-5, the Leafs are sixth in shots for, tied for fourth in goals, 11th in expected goals, eighth in scoring chances and ninth in high-danger chances, according to NaturalStatTrick.

The Maple Leafs are also in the bottom 10, five and even the bottom three in the NHL in those stats, but from a defensive perspective. For instance, Toronto has allowed the third-most scoring chances against and the second-most goals against in 5-on-5 situations, as of Oct. 28.

So when the offense and defense are factored in together, the reason for the Maple Leafs' middling results is clear.

The Leafs are 24th in goals-for percentage, 28th in expected goals-for percentage, 21st in scoring chances percentage, and 20th in high-danger chances percentage.

Those numbers match how the Leafs have performed lately. Offensively, they've been able to keep up with the best of them, averaging 3.73 goals per game. But their ability to shut down the opposition has been the reason for select losses (3.33 GAA per game) and has cost the team points in the standings.

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