Analyst and former NHLer reveals how far he believes the Leafs will go in this year's playoffs
Nick Kypreos has always been one to make outlandish predictions or trade proposals which has led to him being one of the more polarizing media members in hockey. To that point, he once wanted the Leafs to trade William Nylander to Anaheim at one point for a mediocre return. However, his latest "bold" prediction about the Leafs is causing some excitement within the Leafs' fanbase for a change.
Kypreos believes, that while the Leafs are not going to win the Stanley Cup, they will find themselves beyond the first round for the first time since 2004. Kypreos said he doesn't think the Leafs have developed enough of a "killer instinct" to win the Cup, but does predict that they have enough of it to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Why did Kypreos predict the Conference Finals for the Leafs? For three reasons; undervalued assets, the "Core 4" sharing the spotlight and the most improved and important aspect, team defense. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares are carrying the Leafs offensively as Kyle Dubas has wanted them to all along. Not to say they haven't in years past, but this year they are sharing the responsibility more, with the four of them standing as the Leafs' top point getters so far.
The Leafs have also gotten quality minutes from their bottom six defensively, which includes undervalued assets in players such as David Kampf, Pontus Holmberg and Zach Aston-Reese. They have been responsible defensively, but have also been able to chip in on occasion with some much needed secondary scoring. Let's not forget about Michael Bunting who is on a 58-point pace to follow his rookie season total of 63 and the addition of Conor Timmins to the blueline in the midst of injuries.
Finally, while dressing 12 different defensemen and 4 different goalies so far this season, the Leafs are a top 10 defensive team. They are ranked second in goals against per game only behind the Boston Bruins and are on pace for 117 points - 2 better than last year's franchise record. Not bad for a team that is supposed to be an offensive juggernaut.
If Kypreos is taking notice, maybe it's time we all admit that this team does, in fact, look just a little bit different.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 29 | 411 ANSWERS Analyst and former NHLer reveals how far he believes the Leafs will go in this year's playoffs How far will the Leafs make it in the playoffs? | ||
| Another first round exit | 52 | 12.7 % |
| round 2 | 75 | 18.2 % |
| Conference Finals | 139 | 33.8 % |
| Cup Finals | 145 | 35.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
