Defensive Line Time
An interesting note was the relatively equal split of ice time given to the defensive lines; this seems tactically wise given the complaints targeted at Dion Phaneuf’s ice time and need for a rest last year.
This allowed Maple Leafs to commit themselves fully to their defensive duties, and then switch it up, rather than prolonging shifts to the point of lazy defence.
With Dion Phaneuf, Morgan Reilly and Jake Gardiner split across separate lines; the team can field solid core defence men across all three lines – this approach could be a difference maker for the team in terms of remaining sturdy at the back.