Maple Leafs & Oilers Near the Top, But There's a Difference

There are plenty of ways to measure how well an NHL team is playing, but sometimes a simple chart reveals something worth noting. One recent measure puts the Edmonton Oilers first in the league and the Toronto Maple Leafs tied for second in slot-line chance differential. That's encouraging news for both Canadian clubs, but the numbers tell two slightly different stories.

The slot is the dangerous area directly in front of the net. Teams that create more chances from there than they allow are generally doing something right. They're getting into areas where goals are more likely while limiting the opposition's opportunities.

Edmonton leads the NHL at plus-24, with 45 slot chances created and just 21 allowed. Toronto sits at plus-13, tied for second, with 52 chances created and 39 against. The interesting part is that Toronto has actually generated more slot chances than Edmonton. But the Oilers have done a better job of keeping opponents away from their own net.

The Oilers Have the Edge in One Important Area

For Edmonton, that's encouraging. The Oilers have plenty of offensive talent, so it’s no surprise they're creating dangerous opportunities. What's more interesting is that they're also limiting the chances going the other way.

That's an important distinction. A team can generate offence and still spend too much time defending. Edmonton's differential suggests it's doing a better job of controlling both sides of the dangerous areas.

Toronto's numbers are positive, too, but there's a bit more give-and-take. The Maple Leafs are getting to the slot, which is exactly what they want. However, allowing 39 chances means there's still room to tighten things up defensively.

What Does This Mean for the Canadian Teams?

There are some other interesting numbers. Calgary and Winnipeg are both plus-11, while Ottawa is plus-10. Vancouver, meanwhile, is minus-25, the worst differential on this chart. For Maple Leafs and Oilers fans, the temptation is to look at the top two positions and declare victory. I'd be a little more cautious.

This is an early-season snapshot, not a final verdict. Slot chances don't tell us how many opportunities become goals, and a few games can change the picture considerably. Still, the chart gives us something useful to watch. Edmonton appears to be finding a balance between creating offence and protecting its own net. Toronto is creating plenty of danger, but needs to make sure that attacking approach doesn't come at too great a defensive cost.

That's the difference worth watching. The best teams don't just create chances. They make sure they're not giving away too many at the other end.