Despite a 1-2-0 start to the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have had one crucial aspect of their game that has been literally perfect to start the 2026-27 season.
A loss in the season opener to Montreal was not how the Maple Leafs wanted to start the year, however they came back strong with a tough but full team effort against the New York Islanders. Up next was Ottawa in what was expected to be a fairly easy win - especially without Jake Sanderson - but instead was another close loss.
It isn't what the team wanted and right now they are having some potential serious concerns regarding their lineup, as they need to make sure they try to limit the damage as early as possible before things start to get out of hand.
Maple Leafs PK deserves their flowers to start the season
But if there is one thing to look at as a positive for the Maple Leafs this season it's been their special teams, more specifically the penalty kill. Despite having 10 penalties already called against them, the Maple Leafs have been perfect on the PK, going 10-for-10 as opponents are unable to get any real chances.
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There are other teams that are also perfect this season but also have not had nearly as many calls against to start. It's a big issue that has always plagued Toronto, as they typically get called for more penalties on average than any other team.
All credit to guys like Nick Paul, Colton Sissons, and Brandon Duhaime for being a part of the new PK units who have been so good to start.
It's a stark contrast to last year when Craig Berube was using names like Calle Jarnkrok to try and limit the damage and shows that the investment in the bottom six was at least brilliant in one aspect. They constantly put their bodies on the line and it shows, with the three above combing for five blocks already.
Toronto's most underrated piece of the PK was a waiver claim
But all credit due to the play of Troy Stecher though, who has quietly been a key aspect to the PK even if he doesn't stand out initially. He's consistently poised and calm, always taking an extra second and being able to frustrate opponents by constantly pressuring them.
He also doesn't mess around when clearing the puck, as he traditionally fires the puck up the glass or manages to send it high and deep down the ice. He also has one takeaway on the PK, an impressive feat considering the limited time he's been on the ice.
It's why the team re-signed Stecher this summer after coming off waivers from Edmonton last year. What was supposed to be a temporary replacement strategy turned into an everyday player who is a key part of the lineup.
They won't remain perfect all year, but if there's one thing to point to when it comes to the tough start for the Maple Leafs - at least they haven't paid for their crimes just yet.
Are you impressed with the Maple Leafs PK so far?
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