Wayne Simmonds reveals how the Leafs are planning to approach the playoffs, touches on Brad Marchand
When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Wayne Simmonds two years ago, Kyle Dubas knew he wasn't getting the 28-year-old 30 goal scoring Wayne Simmonds. Simmonds was signed to add some toughness and a veteran presence to the bottom of the lineup. That presence may be most important come playoff time. When asked about the physical nature of the NHL playoffs, Simmonds gave a veteran response.
Every year, we see the rules essentially change come playoff time. Players seem to get away with more physicality. For the Leafs, they do not need to be the toughest team on the ice every night. However, they do need to show a willingness to engage physically, and not shy away when the physicality ramps up.
While it is not a guarantee Simmonds will be in the lineup every game of the playoffs, he believes a playoff series can be won by a teams depth.
For the Leafs to have playoff success, guys like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner will need to be firing on all cylinders. That is a given. However, like we see year after year in the playoffs, at some point the team will need to turn to an unlikely hero. At some point, the depth of the lineup could be the deciding factor in a decisive game.
Simmonds plays an extremely physical game, a playoff style game. He has played over one thousand games in the NHL, and 51 playoff games. He may not have the scoring touch he use to, but guys like Simmonds tend to play their best hockey come playoff time.
Lastly, when asked about Bruins pesky forward Brad Marchard, Wayne Simmonds decided to keep the interview PG-13.
Wayne Simmonds has 5 goals, 11 assists and 96 PIMs in 71 games this season. Simmonds also leads the team in hits this year with 145, while averaging 9 minutes and 15 seconds of ice time a night.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 29 | 350 ANSWERS Wayne Simmonds reveals how the Leafs are planning to approach the playoffs, touches on Brad Marchand Should Wayne Simmonds dress for game 1 on Monday? | ||
| Yes | 272 | 77.7 % |
| No | 35 | 10 % |
| No, but he should play at some point | 43 | 12.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
