All of the key indicators suggest this Leafs team is different from past years — more balanced, consistent, well-rounded, and capable of winning low-scoring games if needed. Even if you aren’t interested in all of the intangible talk (re: the team’s culture, leadership, and urgency to win), how about this stat: Toronto was top five in expected Goals Against per 60 adjusting for score this season.
Do they rank so high in that metric in an average schedule with normal divisions? Probably not, but there are a few good offensive teams in the North, and chalking it up entirely to quality of competition is, to me, a lazy dismissal of a notable improvement in the Leafs’ game in regards to their commitment and structure defensively, as well as their improved personnel on the blue line.