If you watched the Toronto Maple Leafs’ thrilling 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, it likely felt like one of the most wide-open games of the season. Odd-man rushes, broken plays, end-to-end action — the kind of game where a 10–10 final wouldn’t have felt out of place if not for two sharp goaltenders.

And yet, the official tally from Natural Stat Trick listed just 13 high-danger chances for Toronto and 12 for Tampa. That’s a respectable number, sure — but far from overwhelming. So what gives? How can a game be so wide-open yet have so few high-danger chances?

The Limits of the NHL Hockey Stats

One possible explanation lies in the definition of what counts as a high-danger chance. Such stats are typically calculated based on location (like shots from the slot or inner crease), shot type, and surrounding context. But in a game full of broken plays, rush chances from the perimeter, or dangerous-looking plays that didn’t result in a shot on goal, a lot of the chaos can go uncounted.

The game can feel tense and wide-open without those moments actually counting as high-danger chances. In other words, the danger was real — it wasn’t always measurable by the standard metrics.

What a Game Like This Means for Playoff Hockey

This disconnect is worth watching as the Maple Leafs head into the playoffs. With intensity rising and games starting to open up, the team mustn’t mistake a wide-open feel for control. A looser structure might look exciting, but unless those looks translate into actual high-danger offense.

At the same time, the Maple Leafs can’t give away the same kind of chances going back the other way. During the postseason, the margins between control and chaos will quickly tighten.

Toronto’s challenge is finding the right balance between creativity and control, flash and finish, chaos and calculated risk. If they can do that, they will have a chance to take a long Stanley Cup journey.

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