It’s quite something to contrast the Leafs‘ current record and position in the standings against their goaltending numbers at even strength. They’re now 29th in the NHL in 5v5 save percentage this season, making them the only team in the bottom 10 in the category that is currently in a playoff position (by points percentage) — and not only are they in a playoff spot but they’re currently tied for sixth in the league with 37 wins in 59 games.
That’s the context in which the Leafs will be giving the 25-year-old Erik Källgren his first-ever NHL start tonight.