The Toronto Maple Leafs - Roaring Into The Playoffs!!

[Gary Nylund]

There was a thread started a few weeks ago titled "Once again, skidding into the playoffs...". At the time we had gone 4-5-1 in our last 10 games and we were indeed skidding.

Oh how times have changed. Since an embarrassing loss against the worst team in the league a few weeks ago, we have won 8 out of our last 9 to clinch 1st place in our division. What makes this hot stretch particularly impressive is that not only did we beat some pretty good teams along the way (including divisional rivals), but every game was also important as we needed every single one of those 8 wins to clinch 1st place. The pressure was on, and you came through with flying colors.

Congratulations boys, well done! Winning our division is something this team hasn't done in a very long time but you did it! Hopefully you're ready to continue fighting hard and compete like you've never competed before, because that's what you're going to have to do in order to do something else this team hasn't done in a very long time - go deep in the playoffs. I believe you can do it, time to show the world who you are and make some noise!

GLG!!

 

[Tie Domi Esquire]

#positivity

 

[MK78]

Best finish to the end of the season in a long time, and with games that mattered.

 

[Roo]

Last year we limped in, trying to get Matthews #70. Totally played the wrong way for personal accolades.

This year we are playing the right way, guys are hitting milestones without cheating. And now we are rolling.

you have to give Berube credit for getting the team completely bought in.

 

[Mr_Fun]

Last year we limped in, trying to get Matthews #70. Totally played the wrong way for personal accolades.

This year we are playing the right way, guys are hitting milestones without cheating. And now we are rolling.

you have to give Berube credit for getting the team completely bought in.

The team did everything in a goofy manner and got nothing but bad luck to go along with that. They're doing things the right way this year and hopefully we get some good luck with regards to injuries (as in no more injuries and our already injured are ready to go for game one).

 

[TopCheeseShotta]

Got the milestones..!
and the Division crown..!!
We'll take it..!!!

What is this feeling..?? Is it...
Be-Leaf...?

They've certainly earned it in the stretch run.. even since 4 Nations. Unreal.

 

[Roo]

Cherry on top would be CBJ beating out the Habs. Please Jesus.

 

[banks]

This is the best this core has ever looked while heading into the playoffs.

This team will make the Final. I guarantee it!

 

[HogTown06]

And best of all, no Samsonov!!!

Finally the Leafs have elite level goaltending with Stolarz in net and Woll playing well in case he needs to step in (hopefully not).

 

[Donnie740]

I’d like to take this opportunity to caution Leaf “fans” that the team is unlikely to go 16-0 in the playoffs.

When the Leafs inevitably lose a playoff game, there’s no need to leap off the bandwagon and become inconsolable.

Flip flopping back and forth from euphoric highs to the depths of despair is entirely unhealthy for your mental and emotional well being.

 

[Tak7]

This recent stretch has been the first time I've actually become a believer in this group this season.

I've made no secret of not being a fan of the way this team has played hockey this season, and feel like their record has overshadowed a lot of really difficult to watch hockey that hasn't felt sustainable in the playoffs and far too heavily reliant on goaltenders stealing games.

But this recent run has felt, for the first time, like they are playing a brand that can work.

 

[kevsh]

When the Leafs inevitably lose a playoff game, there’s no need to leap off the bandwagon and become inconsolable.

Unless it's game one against the Senators.
Or game two.
Or if they get a 3-0 lead and the Sens win game 4.
Or if they get a 3-1 lead and the Sens win game 5.
Or, brace yourself, they have a 3-2 lead and the Sens win game 6.

Any other scenario, and yes, I believe I will keep my cool when they inevitably lose a game. But two? All bets are off.

 

[Seras]

Great title, nice to see some positivity around here!

 

[Delete1]

Finally, a thread that acknowledges reality.

 

[Roo]

And best of all, no Samsonov!!!

Finally the Leafs have elite level goaltending with Stolarz in net and Woll playing well in case he needs to step in (hopefully not).

There are many reasons for optimism, but this one is likely #1 for me. Generally, the team that wins the battle in the crease wins the series. It’s true for pretty much every one of this core’s exits, it’s only win, and every past battle of Ontario.

Hot goaltending can take you far, and we are solid there. Easily the least of my worries given we have Woll as our backup, he’s already proven he can come in as a backup and elevate his game.