Analysis: Toronto Maple Leafs fans owe Mark Giordano a huge thank you
Mark Giordano is going to put up at least 50 points this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s going to be a major cog at even strength and chip in on the power play. And fans should be lining up daily outside the Ford Performance Centre to thank Giordano after practice.
Giordano began last season with the expansion Seattle Kraken and quickly was named the first captain in team history. After spending more than a decade and a half with the Calgary Flames organization, it was a major change of scenery. Yet Giordano continued to produce on the ice.In 55 games with a weak Kraken team, Giordano had 23 points. Right about at his career pace of half a point per game. And he kept it up after being dealt to Toronto at the 2022 NHL trade deadline.
I believed – and still do – that Giordano’s skill level is elite among NHL defensemen. His skating is better than a lot of people realize. But it’s his mind that makes him so efficient. Giordano has such strong hockey intuition.His game sense was on display during Saturday night’s preseason matchup against the Ottawa Senators. Giordano had three assists and led all Maple Leafs defense with 3:30 of power play ice time.
This goal by Toronto’s Justin Holl was preceded by Giordano putting on a masterclass in creating time and space. His quick decision to walk the blueline and get to the far side of the ice gets Ottawa in motion. And Giordano is constantly shifting his body, feet, and stick blade. He’s creating deception.
Giordano gets through the entire sequence so fast because his skating, especially in transition, is superb. Both of these clips demonstrate how powerful he can be. But I really see Giordano driving play at even strength. Even if he’s logging lower minutes than in his past, I can’t see his production dwindling with this Toronto team. I see it increasing.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ottawa Senators start doubleheader day with 4-1 loss to Toronto Maple LeafsIt was a day of firsts: some good, some not so good. Fortunately it was just a pre\u002Dseason matchup.
Read more »
WARMINGTON: Maple Leafs fans enjoy double the fun as puck drops on NHL preseasonBattle of Ontario games are so much fun that the Leafs and Senators decided to play two \u002D\u002D in one day.
Read more »
2023 Fantasy Hockey Team Previews: Vegas Golden Knights - Daily FaceoffThe 2023 DailyFaceoff Fantasy Hockey Projections has projected stats for over 650 skaters and goalies. The Fantasy Hockey Team Previews have all the projections for that team and mini-bios for all the Re-Draft and Dynasty relevant skaters and goalies. Anaheim Ducks Columbus Blue Jackets Nashville Predators Seattle Kraken Arizona Coyotes Dallas Stars New Jersey Devils […]
Read more »
SNAPSHOTS: Senators take back half of split-squad series with Maple LeafsA third\u002Dperiod rally produced a 4\u002D2 victory on Saturday night.
Read more »
GARRIOCH: Senators start doubleheader day with 4-1 loss to the Maple LeafsIt was a day of firsts: some good, some not so good. Fortunately it was just a pre\u002Dseason matchup.
Read more »