When the Toronto Maple Leafs hired assistant coach Marc Savard, it was believed that he would help a power play that could have and should have been better. Before Tuesday night's three-goal outburst on the man advantage, the team was at the bottom of the league in power play efficiency. While this may have changed, even if just slightly, Morgan Rielly and the Leafs are not celebrating anything.
When discussing the recent power play surge, the veteran defenceman, who has seen his fair share of successes and failures, shared the following:
While the message Rielly shared could be open for interpretation, it's clear that although the team was rather successful against the Bruins on the power play, by no means is anything fixed. It will take more time to iron out all the kinks necessary to be consistently successful in those situations.
While the power play is a work in progress, to see it succeed, even if just for one night, should get fans excited at the possibilities and the prospect of once again enjoying a potent power play.
If the power play remains close to the bottom of the league after twenty games, which is fast approaching, then there is legitimate reason to worry. However, if the changes the Leafs have made this week are a sign of what's to come, the Leafs could be poised to rack up a lot more wins in November and beyond, especially with the tangible improvements on defense and in goal this season.
POLL | ||
7 NOVEMBRE | 1566 ANSWERS Morgan Rielly's Recent Comments Highlight the New Grind Mentality for the Maple Leafs Where will the Toronto Maple Leafs power play finish by the end of the season? | ||
Top third | 546 | 34.9 % |
Middle third | 817 | 52.2 % |
Bottom Third | 203 | 13 % |
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