**Which Improved More: Maple Leafs Or Bruins?**

Mas Arief

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Which Improved More: Maple Leafs or Bruins?

The 2022-23 NHL season saw two Original Six rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins, take significant strides forward. Both teams underwent transformative off-season changes, aimed at pushing them closer to Stanley Cup contention. But which team truly improved more?

The Toronto Maple Leafs: A New Era of Offense

The Maple Leafs, long plagued by playoff woes, made a bold statement by acquiring Matt Murray and Ryan O'Reilly in the off-season. This move added veteran leadership and Stanley Cup experience to a young core already brimming with offensive talent.

The Leafs' offensive explosion was undeniable. They led the league in goals per game (3.86) and power-play percentage (27.3%). Auston Matthews continued his dominance, scoring 40 goals in just 53 games, while Mitch Marner and William Nylander provided consistent offensive firepower.

The Boston Bruins: A Defense-First Approach

The Bruins, under new head coach Jim Montgomery, adopted a different approach, emphasizing strong defense and a tight-checking style that stifled opposing offenses. They boasted the league's best defensive record, allowing a paltry 2.12 goals per game.

Charlie McAvoy, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak formed a formidable offensive trio, while Linus Ullmark emerged as a Vezina Trophy contender, anchoring the Bruins' defensive success.

Beyond the Regular Season: Playoff Performance

While both teams enjoyed regular season success, their playoff performances painted a contrasting picture.

The Maple Leafs, despite their offensive firepower, fell short in the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second consecutive year. Their inability to overcome the Lightning's experience and defensive prowess highlighted their continued struggles in the playoffs.

The Bruins, on the other hand, dominated the playoffs, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals before ultimately losing to the Vegas Golden Knights. Their defensive strength and strong goaltending proved crucial in their playoff success.

The Verdict: Bruins Take the Edge

While the Maple Leafs showcased impressive offensive firepower, their playoff struggles ultimately overshadowed their regular season success. The Bruins, however, demonstrated a complete team approach, with a dominant defense, solid goaltending, and offensive depth. Their playoff run cemented their position as a true Stanley Cup contender, making them the clear winner in the battle for improvement.

In conclusion, the Bruins' significant jump in performance, both in the regular season and the playoffs, solidifies their position as the team that improved more than the Maple Leafs. While both teams made strides in their quest for the Stanley Cup, the Bruins' consistency and championship-caliber performance gave them a clear edge.