Comparing the Leafs' last place season in 2015-16 to the 2021-22 season; here's a stat you won't believe
In the 2015/16 season, the Leafs had just one 20 goal scorer and only 2 players put up more than 40 points. Nazem Kadri (17-28-45) and PA Parenteau (20-21-41) were the two players. Not only did the Leafs struggle offensively, but defensively and in net, they were not any better.
The Leafs managed just 29 wins and finished last in the league with 69 points. This season, of course led to the Leafs drafting Auston Matthews first overall in 2016 and putting the team in the position it is in now. The only thing left to do now is win.
Surprisingly though, as the goaltending carousel continues in Toronto, even with 5 up-and-down years of Frederik Andersen, the Leafs' save percentage in 2015/16 was better than the save percentage this past season. That's right. The last place Leafs got better goaltending in 2015-16 than the 4th overall Leafs this season.
With the trio of Jonathan Bernier, James Reimer and Garrett Sparks, the Leafs posted a combined save percentage of .904. This past season, even though it was record setting, with the trio of Jack Campbell, Petr Mrazek and Erik Kallgren the Leafs only posted a save percentage of .900. That would put the team 21st in team save percentage. Still two places higher than the 2015/16 team overall in the league, but shockingly lower.
With the number of goals the Leafs are able to score, imagine how much better this franchise record season could've been if they had a team save percentage in the top 15 even. It will be up to Dubas and the newly revamped goaltending department to bring in quality goalies to give the Leafs more better than below average goaltending in the upcoming season.
Kyle, can we please have average to above average goaltending next season? That's all we're asking.
