The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for their ninth playoff run with a renewed sense of hope. Under the guidance of new head coach Craig Berube, the team has embraced a more defensive identity, particularly through an emphasis on shot-blocking. This season, the Leafs rank sixth in the league with an average of 16.2 blocked shots per 60 minutes, a significant improvement over previous seasons.

Key players like Chris Tanev, who is on the verge of breaking the franchise record for blocked shots in a season, are leading the charge. The team's commitment to sacrificing their bodies in front of pucks is seen as pivotal in winning close playoff games. While shot-blocking is crucial, it raises concerns about whether the Leafs are spending too much time on defense at the cost of their offensive production.