Significantly Insignificant said:
Does anyone think that the Leafs used to build leads and then lose them in the third is related to how they give up goals early now and then try and battle back in the third?
I wonder if there is some sort of mental block where the young guys are afraid to get out in front of a team because of all those times they let the lead slip away.
I think it's more like the Leafs core is very very good at offense, risky plays leading to really good chances, fly-by stick checks to free up pucks without having to change directions, etc.
They're being trained now to play conservatively, maintain possession, keep support formation up and down the ice, free up and retrieve pucks as a unit. Inevitably, there are breakdowns and a goal gets scored off a defenseman or someone catches an edge and falls out of position or support coverage is slow on the uptake and they give up a 2 on 1; the Leafs core are still very new to playing conservatively. There have been moments they've clicked and it is glorious, and there are still frequently moments where one or two breakdown in the scheme and there's a scramble to adjust and cover.
Down a goal or two, the Leafs open up to play catch up hockey a bit, which they know well and with a shortened lineup the Leafs can temporarily win their match ups more frequently. Catch up hockey is not sustainable up and down your lineup for an entire period, let alone a whole game.
What Babcock is building towards is that machine-like efficiency in 5-man hockey where everyone does their work getting pucks, moving pucks, and setting up shop (rolling around in the OZ for heavy shifts) to let their talent shine. This style requires coordination, skill, and 2nd, 3rd, 4th efforts.
