Former NHL Head Coach Gives Startling Prediction Regarding Toronto Maple Leafs' Playoff Status
Though the Maple Leafs started off hot this season, they cooled down in December and one former coach thinks it'll bring them a surprise result at season's end.
The team had a very successful first quarter of the season, and even though were dealing with a laundry list of injuries, they ended up atop the Atlantic Division. However since then, the team has been bang average, going 5-5-0 and looking less the dominant force as they were earlier.
One former head coach has taken notice, and provided a bit of a surprise prediction as the team heads for a deep playoff push. Bruce Boudreau, now an analyst on TSN, spoke about how he thinks Toronto's downturn has led them to potentially only sneak into the playoffs:
But if you look at their last 10 games, they're 5-5, they've been mediocre. They lost their #1 or 1A goalie, and they're losing him another month.
We still don't know what's going on with Auston Matthews, and when he has been back he hasn't been himself."
Boudreau then talked about how other teams are slowly making a charge to take the Leafs' spot and without a good string of games, it could be a tough road ahead:
If they aren't successful in these two nights [Friday and Saturday], then 'Uh-oh, everyone is creeping up on us, where are we headed. They need to prove to teams in the Atlantic and Metropolitan Division they aren't just a playoff team, but a good one.
But right now, they have been too mediocre for me, I wanna see them play more consistently all the time."
Toronto's Playoff Push In Critical Condition
Is it time to panic? No absolutely not, but it is concerning that the team that once looked so dominant have been so pedestrian. Yes they have dealt with injuries, but a lot of their play recently looks a bit sluggish and complacent at times.
The issue is how well other teams have been playing. Florida isn't going anywhere and look poised to take the Atlantic Division crown, especially if they get on a run.
Boston is only two points behind the Maple Leafs, and the Lightning are four behind but have three games in hand. It's a very tight race all of a sudden, and Toronto can't afford to be average, especially as we get into the second half.
Names like Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares have done their part, and while the third line has started to get their groove going, not only do they need to keep it up but they need to go above and beyond.
Toronto is desperate for scoring, and they can't just rely on their top three stars to perform. Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson all need to step up and explode for offense while not sacrificing the grit and defense that's made them successful.
Toronto isn't ready to hit the panic button just yet, but if they can't get things together without their captain or star goaltender, it's going to not only be a disappointing season, but a chance they don't even make the playoffs.
