Scouting the Enemy: Anaheim Ducks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Mar 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) scores a goal on Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The Anaheim Ducks continue their five game trip through Canada tonight with a matchup against one of the league’s most popular, polarizing clubs in the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Ducks have won seven in a row and have not lost a game in December, and their streak has vaulted the team to a NHL-leading 47 points. However, the Maple Leafs are also hot in their own right, winning five consecutive contests and nine of their previous 11 games following a 9-2 embarrassment to the Nashville Predators on November 18th. Toronto is finishing their three game homestand against the Ducks, and they have already posted wins over the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings to begin this home stretch.
The Maple Leafs are one of the most storied, iconic, and well-known franchises in the NHL. However, to get an even better idea about the Leafs, I asked questions to Jeffrey Langridge, one of the co-editors at Editor in Leaf, the site that covers the Toronto Maple Leafs on the FanSided network. The questions regard how a certain former Duck is doing now in Toronto, a philosophical change in the team’s roster, and how their offseason changes have impacted the team, if at all.
Apr 1, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Peter Holland (74) skates in the Dallas Stars zone during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Ducks shut out the Stars 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
1. In November of last season, the Maple Leafs acquired center Peter Holland from the Ducks while their center group was decimated (Nazem Kadri was serving a suspension, while both Dave Bolland and Tyler Bozak were injured at the time of the acquisition). Holland has already set career highs in goals and points this season and is third among Toronto forwards in shorthanded ice time per game. How effective has Holland been since joining the Leafs, and what roles does he have on the team outside of penalty killing?
Jeffrey: I would like to personally thank the Anaheim Ducks for trading Holland to the Maple Leafs. I think he is destined to become a pretty decent No. 2 two-way center. He has a good offensive game when he has the right line-mates (and he usually does) and his defensive game is great when you look at how he is on the penalty kill.
He has a lot of heart, something that any team needs to succeed. I personally think that he has made Kadri expendable. Holland was held down in the depth chart of the Ducks and has taken advantage of his time with the Leafs, proving he can play in the NHL.
Mar 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing David Clarkson (71) trips over Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) during the third period at Honda Center. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Maple Leafs last season played a lot of games last season while dressing a fourth line with enforcers, such as Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren. This season, the Leafs have approached the roster differently, using players such as Holland and Richard Panik more minutes instead, who aren’t as physical, but offer more skill. With today’s emphasis on being able to roll four lines with skill and scoring ability, how has this change affected the Maple Leafs roster?
Jeffrey: The change in philosophy has definitely lead to success, although I wouldn’t say that it’s all Randy Carlyle. I think that this is being forced on him. However, it is working out for them. Players like Brandon Kozun, Panik, Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik and Leo Komarov have provided the Leafs tremendous depth and allow the Leafs to actually have four lines that can all put the puck in the net. While this is no guarantee that the Leafs will make the playoffs, it is a sign that the Leafs are getting better.
Mar 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks celebrate after a goal by Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
3. Last season’s late season collapse to fall out of the playoff picture was noted in part because of the clash between the analytic and traditionalist communities in hockey. During the offseason, the Maple Leafs named Kyle Dubas assistant general manager and made a new analytics department, hiring Darryl Metcalf, who founded the now-defunct ExtraSkater. These moves by new president Brendan Shanahan were in stark contrast to how the Leafs had run their business before. The clash between the traditionalist and analytics community has been well-documented over the years, including this infamous tweet from last October. How do you personally believe the team should progress, and what kind of impact do you expect the “statheads” to have on the Leafs as a team?
Jeffrey: Talking about analytics hurts my head. I mean, I’m sure it helps a team by helping make the right acquisitions and what parts of their team need to be improved, but it’s not my cup of tea. Besides, we won’t be seeing any results from this for the next couple seasons.
Mar 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) moves the puck defended by Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
I want to thank Jeffrey for taking his time to answer my questions. Check out the work Jeffrey and the staff at Editor in Leaf do while covering the team, and continue to visit Pucks of a Feather for Ducks coverage! Get ready for the game tonight at 4:30 p.m. PT!
Jason Byun is the editor for Pucks of a Feather. He can be found on Twitter. For more Anaheim Ducks coverage, follow Pucks of a Feather on Twitter or like us on Facebook.