Which Team Improved More: Leafs Or Bruins?

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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Which Team Improved More: Leafs or Bruins?

The 2023 NHL Playoffs saw a dramatic shift in the Eastern Conference, with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins making significant strides from previous seasons. While the Bruins ultimately claimed the Presidents' Trophy and dominated the regular season, both teams showcased impressive growth and changes. But when it comes to overall improvement, which team truly took the biggest leap forward?

Let's break down the key factors to determine which team deserves the title of "Most Improved" in the 2022-23 season.

The Bruins' Dominance: A Clear Shift

The Boston Bruins were arguably the most dominant team in the NHL this past season. They set a new franchise record for regular season wins with 65, finishing with a staggering 135 points – the most in the league. This dominance was driven by a number of factors:

• Offensive Explosion: The Bruins were an offensive juggernaut, averaging a league-leading 3.82 goals per game. David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand led the way with career-best seasons, while David Krejci enjoyed a remarkable resurgence.
• Defensive Stability: The Bruins' defense was equally impressive, boasting a league-best 2.11 goals against per game. Charlie McAvoy continued his development into a top-tier defenseman, and Linus Ullmark emerged as a Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltender.
• Strong Coaching: Bruce Cassidy's coaching style was effective, but Jim Montgomery brought a fresh perspective that unlocked the Bruins' full potential. His commitment to a high-tempo, puck-possession system paid dividends.

The Leafs' Transformation: A Turning Point?

While the Bruins dominated, the Toronto Maple Leafs also made significant strides. After years of playoff disappointments, they finally broke through with a first-round victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a major milestone for the franchise.

• Depth and Balance: The Leafs showcased greater depth and offensive balance compared to previous years. The additions of Ryan O'Reilly and Noel Acciari added much-needed grit and experience, while Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner continued their elite scoring.
• Goaltending Upgrade: Matt Murray provided much-needed stability in net, finally giving the Leafs a reliable starting goalie. This consistent performance was crucial in their playoff success.
• Mentality Shift: The Leafs' new head coach, Sheldon Keefe, instilled a more resilient and confident mentality within the team. This was evident in their ability to overcome adversity and fight back in games.

Comparing the Improvements

While both teams made significant improvements, the Bruins' dominance places them ahead in terms of overall progress. Their consistent performance throughout the season, coupled with their clear progression under a new coaching system, solidifies their position as the most improved team.

The Leafs, however, achieved a major breakthrough with their first-round playoff victory. Their improved depth, goaltending, and mental toughness suggest they've finally overcome some of their longstanding hurdles. It remains to be seen if they can consistently maintain this level of performance, but their progress is undeniable.

Ultimately, both the Bruins and Leafs deserve credit for their impressive growth and transformation. While one team clearly stands out as the most dominant, both teams have shown the potential for sustained success. Their journey to improvement has given hope to their fanbases, and the future looks bright for both franchises.