A look at how the Leafs have ended their seasons over the last 5 years; is this a step in the right direction?
As card-carrying members of Leafs Nation, we have to have thick skin. We've all heard the narrative that has been following this team around for nearly two decades. The phrase "same old Leafs" seems to be the go-to for other fanbases around the league this time of year. If it's not that, it's echoing 1967 or some other sleight againt the team.
I'm a big believer in that success is not linear. There are ups and downs and while 19 years is a horrendous length of time to experience no playoff success whatsoever, the drought has to come to an end eventually. The team's play this year has earned them some respect, but there appears to be a pretty good chance that this year's respect doesn't end in the handshake line.
As The Hockey Writer's Alex Hobson points out, over the past 4 seasons, in final 5 games of the regular season heading into the playoffs, the Leafs have gone:
2018-19: 1-3-1
2019-20: 2-2-1
2020-21: 2-1-2
2021-22: 3-1-1
Of course, we know the results of each and every one of their 1st round series over that span. However, their results in those final 5 regular season games year in and year out show incremental growth. So, how did the team finish this year? They've gone 4-0-1 and have looked much stronger, deeper and more complete than in years past - even while resting a number of key players, starting their 3rd string goalie and using amateur tryout backups.
Tampa is still a tough out, any way you slice it. But with the Leafs looking so dominant down the home stretch, you'd have to imagine that they're going to be a very confident team coming into this year's postseason - and a confident team is a dangerous team. I, for one, like their chances this year.
