Yes things look pretty bleak in Leaf Nation right now. But last year it wasn't until game 22 that the Leafs had won their 5th game. After 15 games this season the Leafs have 13 points compared to 11 points over the same period last season.
This is not the same team as last season. The previous team was very weak on the backend. Those problems have largely been resolved but this year the team is weak up front. Yet we saw they play some good hockey to start the season. They just haven't been able to find that groove they were in. This is one of the fastest teams in the league but right now they don't look it. The coach has to help them find that other team.
Last season they scored 40 goals and gave up 47. This season they have scored just 31 goals and only gave up 38. That works out to a drop of 9 goals in scoring but have given 9 fewer goals. The improved goaltending and defense has contributed to lower goals against but the offense has dropped off just as much.
The weak offense has been shutout 3 times already. That didn't occur at all at least in the first 15 games of last season. Don't expect much of an improvement over the season. The Leafs have the weakest group of centres in the NHL and you don't generate much offense without decent centres.
You look at Steve Stamkos on Tampa Bay and you see the value of hanging on to those first round draft picks.
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