Ovchinnikov 137
Joined: Apr. 2019
Posts: 10,412
Likes: 11,982
In this small sample, Galchenyuk has already showed more promise than any other players the Leafs have experimented with on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander. The numbers have been tremendous with Galchenyuk, over 30 minutes at five-on-five across segments of four games, the Leafs' second line is earning a ridiculous 65 percent share of the shot and shot-attempt volume, while amassing 81 percent ownership of scoring chances and 83 percent of the expected goals, as calculated by Natural Stat Trick.
What's been most impressive in his four-game trial with them, has been his work, or work rate, off the puck, using speed and tenacity on the forecheck to win puck battles and create 50-50 opportunities to recover possession. Even Muzzin said he was the hardest working guy on the team right now.
IMO if he plays like this till the TDL they don’t add a top 6 fwd, but someone to play on the 3rd line. Or a depth D, maybe both