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Maple Leafs Take Collective responsibility for Power Play Struggles After Savard firing
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Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving emphasized a team-wide accountability following the dismissal of assistant coach Marc Savard, citing the power play’s historically poor performance as the primary catalyst.
What Happened: Savard’s Departure and Treliving’s Explanation
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the firing of assistant coach Marc Savard on Monday. General Manager Brad Treliving addressed the media on Tuesday, stating the decision was ultimately his, made in consultation with Head Coach Craig Berube.He explicitly stated the move wasn’t about placing sole blame on Savard, but rather about seeking a change in dynamic to improve the struggling power play.
Treliving underscored the collective responsibility, stating, “The players have responsibility and this doesn’t absolve anybody… It’s a change that we could make to change the dynamic, change maybe a little bit of the play.” He further clarified that assistant coach Derek Lalonde will assume a ”lead active role” in guiding the power play in the interim.
The Dire Statistics: A League-Worst Power Play
The Maple Leafs’ power play is currently performing at a historically low level. Through January 30, 2024, the team has scored only 12 power-play goals, representing a dismal 13.3% conversion rate. This ranks last in the national Hockey League. Adding to the problem, the Leafs have also allowed four short-handed goals, resulting in a net power-play percentage of 8.9%, also the worst in the league.
| Statistic | Maple Leafs (as of Jan 30, 2024) | NHL Average (as of Jan 30, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Play Goals | 12 | ~120 (estimated) |
| Power Play Percentage | 13.3% | 21.5% |
| Net Power Play Percentage | 8.9% | ~12% |
| Short-Handed Goals Allowed | 4 | ~30 (estimated) |
Why This matters: Costing Points and Playoff Implications
Treliving acknowledged the power play’s struggles are directly impacting the team’s ability to secure points in the standings. “It’s been an area that to me has cost us points,” he stated. In a competitive Eastern Conference, even a slight enhancement in special teams can be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out. The Maple Leafs, despite possessing meaningful offensive talent, are currently battling for a playoff spot.
The power play’s struggles also place added pressure on the team’s five-on-five play. A consistently effective power play not only generates goals but also draws penalties, creating more opportunities for offensive zone time and wearing down opponents.
