These new year's resolutions are the keys to success for the Leafs
As we approach the end of 2021 many people are thinking about their new years resolutions. Realistically, if I stuck with my new years resolutions, I would be shredded like The Rock and eat like Tom Brady. That is not the case for me but hopefully the Leafs can stick with their new years resolution going into 2022 after a mostly forgettable 2021.
Keep up with the Stanley Cup winning habits:
In the All or Nothing documentary, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe repeatedly preached about "Stanley Cup habits" to his players. Unfortunately, many of the concerns that management and the coaching staff had with the team were proven right and the Leafs lost in the first round, yet again.
This season, the Leafs are playing some of their best hockey under Keefe. The team appears deeper than it was last year and has been near the top of the league standings for the bulk of this season. The Buds have shown their willingness to play playoff hockey, especially in these tight, playoff-style games. The team has silenced many doubters and are still one of the powerhouses of the Atlantic Division.
Get Jack Campbell some rest:
Jack Campbell has been incredible for the Leafs this season, posting a 15-5-2 record and a .937 save percentage. Campbell has played in 23 of the teams 30 games this year, putting him on pace to play 63 games. We have seen in years past how playing your goalie too much in the regular season can come back to bite you. That's why the Leafs need to provide Jack Campbell with some time to keep his body and his mind sharp.
Petr Mrazek needs to be both healthy and productive in order for the coaching staff to feel confident enough in his abilities to give Campbell some rest. Unfortunately, it hasn't been the case for the Czech goalie this year, with a 2-1 record but a .880 save percentage.
Joseph Woll has been good in limited action this season, but he's young and inexperienced at the NHL level. The best option is Mrazek, so hopefully he stays healthy and stops more pucks once the Leafs return to action. If not, the organization may need to look elsewhere in order to get Soup some more support.
Win the Atlantic Division:
The Atlantic Division is one of the better divisions in the league, featuring the Lightning, Leafs, Panthers, Bruins, and the Red Wings; who have a 2017 Leafs vibe this year. Winning this division likely means that the Leafs would avoid the Lightning and Panthers in the first round.
Last year was a wake up call for the Leafs and a reminder to not take an opponent lightly, especially in the playoffs. If the Leafs want to go deep in the postseason they will run into these teams eventually - but winning the Atlantic gives the Leafs home ice advantage and an "easier" 1st round matchup.
Ultimately, it's up to the players to decide how far this team goes this season, but if the Leafs organization follows these new years resolutions, then it will give them a good chance at achieving their end goal of snapping their 54-year Stanley Cup draught.
