Leafs finally buying into how playoff hockey is played and the results have been very good
As most Leafs fans are well aware, the Buds haven't been able to make it past the first round of the playoffs since 2004. Though the Leafs have been able to put together some successful seasons as of late, it still hasn't been enough for them to finally attain playoff success. This season, the Leafs are 16-5-6, good for second in the Atlantic Division, and 4th in the NHL. While the true test will come in the playoffs, there is a lot to like about this Leafs group, especially after their most recent win against the Dallas Stars where they registered 27 blocked shots.
It's just one game, but this is a great sign that Leafs players are starting to understand what it takes to win tough games, which will be important experience to rely on come the playoffs. Being able to kill off seven penalties the way they did, laying it all on the line and sacrificing the body shows that the players have bought in and are truly ready to play for each other.
Since the worrisome 4-4-2 start, the Leafs have since gone 12-1-4, with the win in Dallas being their first shutout of the season. They are doing this all the while having more injuries than any other team and using 12 different defensemen since the start of the season.
There are a lot of things to like about this Leafs team. While they may have disappointed in the past, there is hope for this year's playoffs. If they keep playing the way they played against the Stars, there is no reason the Buds can't leap over their nearly two-decade 1st round barrier and potentially even go on a lengthy run and challenge for a Stanley Cup. All championship teams overcome adversity and perhaps this season's injury issues are teaching the Leafs something about themselves and helping them to realize their full potential.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 7 | 300 ANSWERS Leafs finally buying into how playoff hockey is played and the results have been very good How many rounds do the Leafs win this year? | ||
| 0-1 | 47 | 15.7 % |
| 2 | 80 | 26.7 % |
| 3 | 69 | 23 % |
| They're winning the Cup | 104 | 34.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
