Don't look now, but the Leafs' ''Core 4'' are putting the league on notice with excellent, balanced production
Since the Leafs had such a difficult time scoring at 5-on-5 to start the season, the production of the ''Core 4'' was brought into question and openly criticized. Since the month of November began, however, and with the Leafs going 6-1-2 in their last 9 games, those questions have slowly begun to disappear.
Through 18 games, the "Core 4" are all producing at over a point per game, with Mitch Marner and his now 12-game point streak leading the way with 22 points. After a 3-point night last night John Tavares is at 22 points with Auston Matthews and William Nylander at 20 points apiece.
The 5-on-5 scoring can still get much better, especially for Matthews, but even though he isn't scoring game in and game out as we're used to seeing, he is still finding ways to contribute. For example, Matthews currently sits 2nd on the team in hits with 39 on the season, just 7 hits back from Rasmus Sandin for the team lead. The powerplay is finally clicking as well and, defensively, each member of the "Core 4" has been much better.
It took a hot November last season for the Leafs to get rolling and it would appear that it's exactly what they needed again this season. They've collected 14 of a possible 18 points in November and have collected a point in every game but their first meeting with Pittsburgh.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 258 ANSWERS Don't look now, but the Leafs' ''Core 4'' are putting the league on notice with excellent, balanced production How would you rate the play of the "Core 4" this season? | ||
| Excellent! | 40 | 15.5 % |
| Pretty good | 107 | 41.5 % |
| Above average | 43 | 16.7 % |
| Not good enough for what they're being paid | 68 | 26.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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