Through eight games in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs have achieved a 6-2 record. They`ve improved their goals-per-game average from 3.26 to 3.5, are facing five fewer shots against per game, and overall, they are finding ways to succeed.
It`s possible the Panthers might eventually find a way to neutralize them and win the series in six or seven games. It`s also possible that many of the things going right for the Leafs could suddenly turn sour. Who can say for sure? However, this is not a prediction, but rather an observation. If you`ve followed this team closely throughout the year, it`s evident they don`t just appear different from past seasons (which was the primary question they aimed to answer all year). They also show distinct differences from their *own* regular season performance in ways tailored for the playoffs.
Let me elaborate. Here`s how the Leafs look different through eight playoff games compared to the regular season.
Small Area Passing, Particularly on Breakouts
One frequent criticism from my cohost on *Real Kyper and Bourne* regarding the Leafs has been their passing execution. To be fair to Nick, they do have several players whose tendency is to shoot rather than pass, which isn`t necessarily a bad thing offensively. But it could be frustrating to watch during breakouts, where they would frequently seek a stretch pass or simply bank the puck off the glass into the neutral zone.
However, so far against the aggressive forechecks of both Ottawa and Florida, they are finding relative success in executing small-area passes. These passes are giving their linemates the necessary time and space to initiate puck movement out of their own zone. According to passing data from Stathletes, the Leafs are averaging over three additional passes per 60 minutes in the defensive zone during the playoffs, and this is happening against playoff teams known for their strong forechecks.
When they effectively use their linemates beyond the defensive zone, it can lead to beautifully executed plays, such as the Max Domi goal where four Leafs players touched the puck, and none skated with it for more than a few strides:
Unwavering Commitment to Defense
Since the trade deadline on March 7, when the Leafs acquired Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton, the team has become significantly more challenging for offensive players to play against. From that date until the end of the season, the Leafs ranked fourth in goals allowed at 5-on-5, conceding just one more than Winnipeg and St. Louis, who were tied for second place.
In the regular season, the Leafs were 11th in blocked shots, averaging 16.41 per game. In the playoffs, they are averaging 21.15 blocks, a remarkable figure placing them just 0.02 behind first place (Washington). In terms of total blocked shots, they have registered 41 more than Dallas, who are next on the list.
Simply put, it is currently very difficult for opponents to get pucks through against the Leafs.
Tristan Blackwood