Former Game 7 hero for the Leafs and a former Leafs coach reveal what they believe the Buds will accomplish in this year's playoffs

Heading into next week's series with the Lightning, it is up to the players and coaching staff to put the pieces together. Kyle Dubas has given them everything they needed to succeed, adding a ton of speed, sandpaper, physicality, grit and playoff experience in the likes of Sam Lafferty, Noel Acciari, Luke Schenn, Jake McCabe, Erik Gustafsson and Ryan O'Reilly. Many analysts and coaches around the league believe this is the year the Leafs finally punch their ticket to the next round.

"They are far heavier when they collapse in the D-zone," said Panthers head coach Paul Maurice. "Far better close support in the breakouts. They have moved away from the stretch game. They are also willing to dump pucks and rely on a forecheck game." The numbers show just how much better the Leafs are defensively as they are seventh in goals against per game this season compared to 19th last season.

Joe Nieuwendyk, who scored two of the Leafs 4 goals in their last Game 7 victory believes the Leafs will get over the hump. "With Matthews and Marner, they've had some really good teams. But I think they've added a few pieces that can help them get over the hump. I think they've done what they've needed to do. It's just been hard to swallow for Leafs fans and for the organization, I'm sure."

We'll find out in the next 17 days if Nieuwendyk is right or if we'll see major changes coming in the off-season.