NHL Season Secrets: Uncover the Surprising Strengths, Hidden Weaknesses, and Game-Changing X Factors for Every Team
This season hinges on… Health. For the Maple Leafs to soar this season, they need Matthews as injury-free as possible, pure and simple. When Matthews has missed time in the past, Toronto has persevered in large part because a player such as Marner filled in the gaps. That wouldn’t be the case anymore, and if Matthews were to be sidelined for any prolonged period, the results might not be so positive.
Beyond that though, the ultra-competitive Matthews will want to show the Leafs don’t have to be worse for wear without Marner, and he’ll be aiming to dominate like in that league-leading 69-goal campaign two years ago. And, while Matthews is pocketing pucks at one end, a healthy Stolarz is imperative to Toronto’s chances of keeping them out of their own net. Stolarz was hampered by a knee injury last regular season and a concussion in the postseason, both times to Toronto’s detriment. The Leafs can’t afford to see that again.
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