• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
Toronto Maple Leafs

Ron Hainsey Critical to Leafs’ Chances

By Brett Slawson April 14th, 2018

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Ron Hainsey is the only current Toronto Maple Leafs player with his name on the Stanley Cup.

And, if Hainsey’s teammates wish to engrave their names on Lord Stanley’s mug, they will have to count on the wily veteran now more than ever before.

In their first-round matchup of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins, sound defensive play will prove crucial to the Leafs’ potential success. Due to the Bruins’ electrifying offensive attack, Toronto’s blue line — and Hainsey, in particular — must perform to the best of their abilities if they wish to deflate their long-time rival and suddenly surging juggernaut.

Ron Hainsey, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL

Hainsey shut down the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom en route to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Stanley Cup championship last season. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Although contributions from the likes of Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, and Nikita Zaitsev will also prove critical, it is the play and presence of Hainsey which could help lead the Leafs on a long postseason run. Boasting vast NHL experience, recent postseason success, and a broad understanding of the game, Hainsey and his veteran leadership could very well be the key to Toronto’s playoff push.

A Dependable Defensive Defenceman

Hainsey is not known for his offensive prowess.

In fact, the native of Bolton, Connecticut managed just four goals and 23 points for the Leafs in his inaugural campaign with the franchise.

However, it goes without saying that the Leafs did not ink Hainsey in order to lock down a dynamic defender. Instead, Toronto targeted Hainsey for his reliability and proven ability to defend his own zone with both confidence and consistency.

It is these particular traits which were on full display in Hainsey’s first season with the Leafs.

Hainsey’s Reliability and Versatility

Averaging 21:52 of ice time per game during the regular season, Hainsey quickly established himself as an immensely capable defender for Head Coach Mike Babcock, and one who could be counted upon to play extremely well in a variety of situations.

Ron Hainsey

Now skating for his seventh NHL franchise, Hainsey has become a reliable, dependable, and composed defender. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

In fact, Hainsey logged 3:58 of short-handed ice time per game for Toronto in 2017-18, while his 318:29 of total playing time while short-handed was more than an hour and a half more than any other Leafs player. Further, despite logging such incredible playing time, Hainsey remained impenetrable within his own zone — earning a +12 plus/minus rating over the course of the season alongside a respectable 47.0 CF% and 102.6 PDO.

The Bruins’ Bludgeoning Attack

Now, if Toronto hopes to defeat Boston in their first-round clash this postseason, Hainsey must continue his strong and impermeable style of play.

Boasting Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak on their top line, the Bruins own three 30-goal scorers who combined to form arguably the most dynamic trio in the NHL this season. Owning high-end skill and speed, Boston’s top-line has proven to be endlessly creative and dogged in their determination of the puck.

Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, Bruins

Marchand, Pastrnak, and Bergeron combine to form arguably the best line in hockey. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

In fact, these three players alone combined to score 99 goals during the Bruins’ regular season, or roughly 37% of all Boston’s tallies.

So, taking into account Hainsey’s long-term consistency and his proven ability to defend players of incredible skill, what will the veteran need to do in order to slow the Bruins’ fiery offensive attack?

Hainsey’s All-Inclusive Approach

Well, given the speed of Boston’s forwards, Hainsey will need to place a greater emphasis on his mobility and foot-speed.

In order to stick with and smother attacking forwards, Hainsey must continue to read plays as they develop and remain one step ahead of his opposition. Once in range of Bruins forwards, Hainsey will need to utilize his quick stick and raw physicality in order to agitate and disrupt the creative and lethal plays devised by his opponent.

If Hainsey’s clever and sophisticated defending can impede and irritate Boston’s brawn, it could lead to a greater number of powerplay opportunities for the Leafs in addition to fewer scoring chances generated against.

A Proven Playoff Performer

As mentioned earlier, Hainsey is the only Leafs player who owns a Stanley Cup ring.

Sure, all of Patrick Marleau, Dominic Moore, Tomas Plekanec, Roman Polak, James van Riemsdyk, and Frederik Andersen own a greater number of playoff games played, however, it is Hainsey’s recent experience which could prove to be the most valuable to Toronto’s on-going postseason run.

Ron Hainsey gets Cup handoff honor from Crosby https://t.co/dlgxIbhOo6 #StanleyCup #Penguins pic.twitter.com/3jCNgfPjTg

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) June 12, 2017

After failing to reach the playoffs in each of his first 13 NHL seasons, Hainsey finally broke through with the Penguins last season and played a crucial role in Pittsburgh’s second consecutive championship. Playing well over 21:00 of ice time per game, Hainsey added two goals and eight points in 25 playoff contests for the Penguins and was relied upon to shut down his opposition’s most skilled players.

In fact, Hainsey stood as a dependable force on a decimated Pittsburgh blue line, regularly denying players such as Ovechkin, Backstrom, Filip Forsberg, Mark Stone, and Erik Karlsson.

Hainsey’s Value to Toronto’s Playoff Push

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a wild and unpredictable beast, as emotions run rampant and have the ability to dictate the outcome a particular game. However, the strength to control these emotions is much more valuable, as doing so can stand as the difference between putting forth a complete team effort and an undisciplined debacle.

Clearly capable of dominating the NHL’s most skilled players in high-pressure situations, Hainsey’s calm play and proven composure will be of massive importance to a young and relatively inexperienced Leafs roster.

And, perhaps now more so than ever before, as Nazem Kadri’s emotionally driven and vicious hit to the head of Bruins forward Tommy Wingels has emphasized the – at times — negative effects of playoff hockey and its overwhelming pressure.

Ron Hainsey, Maple Leafs

Rallying around the loss of Kadri and stronger defensive play will be the key for the Hainsey and the Leafs moving forward. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Now, if Toronto wishes to overcome the loss of Nazem Kadri — one of their best shutdown centres — the team will need to rely upon Hainsey more so than ever before.

First and foremost, Hainsey’s experience and understanding of the game will prove crucial, as he must calm his young teammates and reassure them of their abilities in the face of a dominating opponent. Secondly, Hainsey must be made painfully aware of his increased responsibilities defensively, as the loss of Kadri will lead to greater offensive zone time for the Bruins and their immensely talented and deep crew of forwards.

The Final Word

When the Leafs inked Hainsey to a two-year, $6 million contract on Jul. 1, 2017, the significance of his incoming presence was not entirely known.

However, following his first season of play with Toronto, Hainsey’s value as a strong and steady stay-at-home defenceman cannot be denied.

Clearly capable of dismantling plays developed by his opposition and incredibly consistent in doing so, Hainsey’s dependability, reliability, and leadership within a young Leafs roster has proven to be of unquantifiable importance. Willing to log major minutes in difficult situations and capable of succeeding in various circumstances, Hainsey’s playoff experience and composure have and will continue to prove crucial to Toronto’s success in the current postseason.

Ron Hainsey, Maple Leafs

Hainsey’s composed play and off-ice leadership could propel the Leafs past a scrappy yet skilled Boston team. (Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Battling against a formidable opponent and long-time rival, Hainsey’s ability to calm his teammates and play with composure should allow for a calculated and purposeful effort by the Leafs. Further, Hainsey’s stingy defence and consistency within his own zone should allow Toronto to weather Boston’s overwhelming attack.

In short, Hainsey is an incredibly valuable asset both on and off of the ice. As a proven playoff performer of ample experience, Hainsey’s presence and play could come to define the difference between a long playoff run and a short postseason stint for this incredibly promising Leafs roster.

  • Tags
  • 2018 NHL Playoffs
  • Ron Hainsey
  • Top Story
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 19th 7:42 PM
Colorado Avalanche

Wild Acquire Ian Cole From Avalanche for Greg Pateryn

Jan 19th 6:05 PM
Calgary Flames

Flames Need to Be More Disciplined if They Want to Stay Hot

Jan 19th 5:50 PM
Columbus Blue Jackets

9 Blue Jackets’ “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” Fun Facts

Jan 19th 5:40 PM
Toronto Maple Leafs

Babcock Bombs as Former Leafs Coach Tries to Clarify Marner Drama

Jan 19th 5:25 PM
Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights Are 3-0, But Still Have Plenty of Work To Do

Jan 19th 5:15 PM
New York Rangers

Rangers News & Rumors: Essential Workers Night, DeAngelo, Trouba & More

Jan 19th 5:05 PM
Calgary Flames

Flames Should Add Forward Oliver Okuliar to Prospect Pool

Jan 19th 4:55 PM
Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens: 3 Takeaways from Week 1

Jan 19th 4:45 PM
Hockey History

Top 3 Penguins Trades Under Jim Rutherford

Jan 19th 3:45 PM
St Louis Blues

Blues Weekly: Up and Down Start to the 2020-21 Campaign

Editor’s Picks
World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information