Maple Leafs' Shocking Goal Stat Leaves Fans in Awe Ahead of Stanley Cup Playoffs

It's not going to be easy for Toronto this coming playoffs, as not only do they have to worry about potentially facing the Florida Panthers after their tank job seems to be in full swing, but past that, have to deal with teams like Washington and Tampa Bay.

So far they've been able to weather whatever storms that get sent their way (well, at least most of them) and the team is actually looking like they are one of the best units the Leafs have put out in the Auston Matthews era.

But one stat has to give fans a lot of hope that their new style of play isn't a fluke, and will carry over to the playoffs because well; it basically has to.

Something of a sore spot for the team at points this season, Toronto's 5v5 output has been very very good, and you see the usual suspects taking up the mantle.

John Tavares and William Nylander are obviously going to be up near the top however it's striking to see not only Matthew Knies lead the category, but we see Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann outranking Auston Matthews.

Yes, Matthews has dealt with injuries and a new role given to him by Craig Berube, but it's still remarkable that a 23-year old divisive forward, and an undrafted signee are outperforming the NHL's greatest scorer over the past five seasons.

But what this means is that Toronto doesn't HAVE to rely on Matthews or Mitch Marner to get the offense going. Toronto's secondary scoring has been great outside of the Core Four, and with Robertson, Max Domi, and Scott Laughton starting to come into their own; it's only a positive sign going forward.

Their shot percentage is something that should be admired too. Tavares has a staggering 19.3%, with nearly one in five shots going in. Knies and Nylander are neck and neck with 18.7% and 18.2% respectively, meanwhile Robertson is at 13.9% in limited time, and McMann slightly behind at 12.8%.

It means shots are going in, and they are taking much more dangerous shots as opposed to the old methods of just flopping a few weak shots on net. They are looking for openings, pelting shots, and trying to make sure if there's a shot, it gets to the goalie.

If Toronto can stay out of the penalty box too, it'll be a big help. Keeping things level can only mean good things for the Maple Leafs; which means that a long playoff run could be in their very near future.