The Toronto Maple Leafs have made massive changes ahead of game seven

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Hunter Bowman
May 4, 2024 (10:32)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have pushed the Boston Bruins to a decisive game seven, despite their struggles on the powerplay. Following game six, head coach Sheldon Keefe hinted at forthcoming changes for the crucial matchup.

While some may be surprised, the Leafs are actually among the leaders in drawing penalties during the NHL playoffs. In their series against the Bruins, they've had 20 powerplay opportunities but have only capitalized once. In contrast, the Edmonton Oilers, also with 20 penalties drawn, have scored nine powerplay goals.

Powerplay Opportunities / Goals - 2024 Playoffs

T1. Leafs 20 / 1
T1. Oilers 20 / 9!
T1. Lightning 20 / 4
4. Predators 19 / 2
5. Capitals 17 / 2

Keefe acknowledged the team's focus on improving their powerplay performance, emphasizing the need to capitalize on scoring chances. The absence of William Nylander and Auston Matthews due to injury only adds to the challenge.

Leafs staying course with 1/20 power play?

Sheldon Keefe: "We're not going to decline the power play, no"

Coach says they've changed a lot on PP through series

Notes some of it is about execution, which led to more focus on it

"No better time for it to happen than Game 7"

Criticism from fans has been harsh, with some suggesting the Leafs' powerplay might rank among the worst in NHL history.

Do the Leafs have the worst powerplay in the history of hockey?

Others agree, pointing out the team's struggles against the Bruins. A successful powerplay goal in game seven, however, could quickly erase these concerns if it means advancing to the second round.

Honesty can't believe the Leafs are even going to Game 7 in a series where their Powerplay is 1/20. Like I have never seen a PP this horrendous in all my years as a fan of the NHL. Something has to change. They're gonna need a PP goal in Game 7.

Source: Hockeypatrol
Sheldon Keefe reveals he has made some changes to the Leafs powerplay