The 2024-2025 Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs faced skepticism after beginning the season with a 4-4-1 record. However, they have since defied pessimistic predictions, winning five out of their last six games and currently standing at 11-6-2 at the time of writing. Notably, one of these games featured Anthony Stolarz’s first shutout, and against the Boston Bruins at that.
Although some might argue that John Tavares’ age prophesies a fallen star, his performance this season tells a different story. He has not missed a single game in the first eighteen matchups, demonstrating impressive endurance for someone with his experience. Last season, his average ice time was eighteen minutes per game. While his ice time dipped below that mark in the first month of this season, it has since rebounded, exceeding his previous season’s average, tallying six points in the last five games. It seems like something has turned around, and the more ice time he’s given, the better he plays. This ‘old man’ still has plenty left in the tank.
This ode, from an anonymous admirer, stands as proof of unwavering admiration for John Tavares (to be read in the tune of Danny Boy by Celtic Woman):
Oh Johnny boy, the ice, the ice is calling,
From faceoff’s start to where the goal lights glow,
The crowd will cheer, your name they are recalling,
As through the zone, your magic seems to flow.
But when you skate, oh how our hearts are beating,
Your stick so sure, your passion on display,
And we all know, when foes you are defeating,
That Johnny boy, you lead us all the way.
Oh Johnny boy, your stride, it keeps us dreaming,
Through every goal, you make the city proud,
With every pass, the rink is surely gleaming,
You lift the Leafs, like stars beyond the cloud.
And should the day, your skates you hang in sorrow,
The memories will linger, sweet and true,
We’ll sing your name, today and through tomorrow,
Oh Johnny boy, we’ll always cheer for you.
- C.G.P.T.
Turning to another key player, Auston Matthews, whom we have not recently had the opportunity to celebrate due to an injury which has sidelined him for the last six games at the time of writing. Despite his absence, the Leafs have managed an impressive run. When Matthews returns—rumoured to be within the next week or two—he will undoubtedly bring renewed energy to the team. Despite Tavares stepping up and thriving, it will likely be Matthews who will reclaim his place on the first line, with Tavares continuing to contribute on the second line. Moreover, missing ice time may have left Matthews eager to reclaim his ‘C’, and his comeback could propel the Leafs to greater heights.
Another potential bright spot for the Leafs is Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who broke out of a slump after getting a recent assist. Historically, he starts the season off slowly, but once he overcomes this, Ekman-Larsson’s assets as a reliable and valuable player come to the forefront. Should this pattern hold, he could provide the defensive support the Leafs need—and fingers crossed—we will see the Ekman-Larsson we saw in 2022.
Speaking of defensemen, Morgan Rielly, a homegrown Leaf known for his flair, has been on fire delivering strong plays in recent games. His unhesitating power-play goal at the beginning of November gave him some well-deserved time in the spotlight.
However, goalie Anthony Stolarz is the real difference-maker for the Leafs this season. Along with Joseph Woll, Stolarz was initially projected to be ranked fourteenth out of thirty-two teams’ goalie tandems. It is clear, though, that Stolarz has been the one carrying the load. He has performed exceptionally well, surpassing expectations, and is ranked fourth in save percentage in the first two weeks of November among starting goalies.
All these players point towards a more successful season for the Leafs, giving fans plenty of reason to believe this could be the year that their dreams come true.