Rival NHL coach applauds the Leafs for how well they've played this season, calling them a ''different'' team
Leafs fans have made a habit of wearing out the words ''this year's team is different'', but when a rival NHL coach points out the very recognizable difference between this year's Leafs team and the teams of years past, there might just be something to the phrase.
On Wednesday, ahead of the Leafs' matchup against the San Jose Sharks, David Quinn, the Sharks' bench boss, took some time to speak with the media in Toronto. One of the points he really wanted to hammer home in his media availability is how this year's version of the Leafs is vastly improved compared to what we've seen in the past.
"I know people make a big deal out of the fact they haven't won a playoff series, but they look different. They looked different in the series last year. They're not far off. They've added an element of grit, commitment to their defense."
-David Quinn on the 2022-23 Leafs roster
-David Quinn on the 2022-23 Leafs roster
Even long-time rival Erik Karlsson, who spent a great deal of time with the Ottawa Senators and who had the pleasure of battling it out with the Leafs in the Battle of Ontario for several years, has noticed a difference in how the Leafs are competing this year.
"They play a style of play that is very hard to beat. They got a lot of skill but, at the same time, I do think they want to win & they play hard out there in all aspects of the game."
-Erik Karlsson on how tough this Leafs team is to beat
-Erik Karlsson on how tough this Leafs team is to beat
The Sharks did best the Leafs in their last meeting with a 4-3 OT victory in San Jose on October 27th, with Karlsson notching a goal and 2 assists for a 3-point night, so it's safe to say that the Buds will have retribution on their minds tonight. They're going to want to avenge that loss and as well they should - especially on home ice.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 8 ANSWERS Rival NHL coach applauds the Leafs for how well they've played this season, calling them a ''different'' team Do you believe this version of the Leafs is the one that can get it done in the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 2 | 25 % |
| No | 5 | 62.5 % |
| It all comes down to goaltending | 1 | 12.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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