An Important Stat Could Be the Key to Toronto Making It Out of the First Round

The Leafs won back-to-back games over the weekend, securing their position as second in the Atlantic Division, three points ahead of Tampa. If the playoffs were to start today, the Leafs would have home ice advantage. Although some people don't believe that playing at home offers a distinct advantage in the playoffs, it can still play a role in shifting momentum.

Is Home Ice the Key For Toronto?

Over the past two seasons, the Leafs have had the best home record in the NHL. They have played 78 games at Scotiabank Arena, winning 56, losing 15, and drawing 7, which gives them 119 points and a .763 points percentage. Tampa is second with 113 points and a 51-14-11 record. They have played two fewer home games than the Leafs since the beginning of last season, as shown in the chart below.



Although home ice advantage doesn't determine the quality of officiating, it does provide a supportive crowd that can give the team energy and alter momentum. We saw this happen in last year's Game 7 when the Leafs were losing, but the crowd rallied behind them and helped them turn the game around. Unfortunately, a disallowed goal due to a rare pick play and the resulting penalty ultimately cost the Leafs the game.

However, this year the Leafs are better defensively, while Tampa has lost some key players. If the Leafs maintain home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, they could end the series before it gets to a Game 7.

On another note, it's interesting to see that all five of the top home teams in the past two seasons are in the Eastern Conference, and four of them are in the top four of the Atlantic Division.

As Seen On Maple Leafs Insider - One specific stat points to the fact that home ice is the key to the Leafs beating Tampa in round one