The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, but with significant changes to their playing style under first-year head coach Craig Berube that could finally lead to postseason success.
Under previous coach Sheldon Keefe, Toronto was known for rush chances, possession, and highlight-reel goals. Berube has implemented a more direct offensive approach focused on forechecking, puck pursuit, and net-front presence - a style more conducive to playoff hockey where \"greasy\" goals typically prevail over fancy passing plays.
Statistical evidence demonstrates the tactical shift. Toronto has dropped from second to ninth in goals per game (3.63 to 3.26) and from second to 22nd in scoring chances (18.09 to 14.55). Their games now average 6.19 total goals compared to 6.81 last season, with a notable increase in goals scored directly off rebounds (from 7.7% to 10%).
The Leafs are allowing 7% fewer scoring chances per game under Berube. This has created more favorable situations for goaltenders, with Anthony Stolarz ranking fourth in goals saved above expected (13.26).
General Manager Brad Treliving has rebuilt the defensive corps to match Berube\'s system, adding physical, defensively-oriented blueliners like Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, and Simon Benoit, similar to the type of defensemen Berube had during his Stanley Cup-winning tenure in St. Louis.
The one notable exception is Morgan Rielly, whose offensive production has significantly decreased from 0.74 points per game under Keefe to 0.47 under Berube. This mirrors what happened with offensive defenseman Vince Dunn under Berube in St. Louis before Dunn flourished after joining Seattle.
For playoff success, three critical factors remain: strong goaltending, continued defensive commitment, and the ability of Toronto\'s stars to create high-danger scoring chances. After years of postseason disappointment, the Maple Leafs organization hopes these systemic changes will finally translate to success when the games matter most.