The NHL’s scoring frenzy hasn’t stopped after the first quarter of the season. Goals per game (6.2) have risen for the third straight season and reached its highest mark since the lockout. The league-wide shooting percentage has jumped up to 9.6% and teams are logging 31.5 shots per game. And, despite all of that, the offensively minded Maple Leafs aren’t the benefactors.
Blame health: The Leafs have spent half the young season with either John Tavares or Mitch Marner out of the lineup. Blame the defense: Toronto ranks in the bottom 10 for expected goals against, shots against and goals allowed per game.