Leafs Count on Mironov to Fill Defensive Gap

Strategic Insights -

With the loss of Sylvain Lefebvre and Bob Rouse, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Pat Burns is banking on Dmitri Mironov to step up his game and become a key pillar in the team's defence. The National Hockey League season is just around the corner, and Burns is expecting Mironov to build on his impressive development during the latter part of last season. Mironov, who arrived in Toronto in 1992, initially struggled to adapt to the physical NHL game, but he has shown glimpses of his impressive stick-handling skills and big shot. The 28-year-old Muscovite's confidence grew enough by the end of the 1993-94 regular season that he was willing to hang on to the puck more, rush with it, and engage opposing forwards in one-on-one contests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost their two best defensive defencemen, Sylvain Lefebvre and Bob Rouse, and are counting on Dmitri Mironov to step up his game and become a key pillar in the team's defence.
  • Mironov was initially struggling to adapt to the physical NHL game but has shown glimpses of his impressive stick-handling skills and big shot.
  • The Leafs' coach, Pat Burns, is expecting Mironov to build on his impressive development during the latter part of last season and become an offensive leader.
  • With Dave Ellett the team's only other established offensive defenceman, and Drake Berehowsky still a question mark, Mironov will have to become a key contributor on the blue line.
  • Jamie Macoun and Todd Gill will be the veterans holding down the defensive part of the game, along with Garth Butcher and perhaps rookie Matt Martin.

Statistics:

  • The Leafs have lost their two best defensive defencemen, Lewebvre and Rouse.
  • Mironov has grown his confidence enough to hang on to the puck more, rush with it, and engage opposing forwards in one-on-one contests.
  • The Leafs' defensive unit will rely heavily on their offence for help this season.

Sources:

  • "Toronto ELEVEN", Byline: DAVID SHOALTS Sport Reporter Toronto, Oct 1995