Leafs Notebook: The 5v5 impact of Auston Matthews’ absence, David Kampf’s expanded role, and keeping pace in the divisional race

For now, we’ll jump into the extended notes for the usual Monday Leafs Notebook.

Notes

– While the Leafs own a great record without Auston Matthews so far (5-1), it’s important to note the calibre of their 5v5 play before the conversation gets too carried away. They are 30th in 5v5 shot attempts since Matthews came out of the lineup at a lottery level of 42.67%. They are also getting out-chanced, and they’ve been out-scored 6-7.

Their power play and two OT wins have carried them through, but obviously, it isn’t a sustainable approach.