Leafs played well last night. A more gritty game and less drop passes and turnovers in the neutral zone. Of course, it was just the Flyers, but you don't critique a win.
Most of the people here are writing this season off. Many say that the Leafs don't have a chance against Boston and Florida. Sure, the Leafs are an underdog, but they have enough firepower and the goaltending is solid. The defense is a work in progress, but if they get on a run, to start the playoffs, all bets are off.
The West is where the action is this year. However, the team coming out of the West might be beaten up, playing long series and possibly injuries effecting their efficiencies.
The East seems to only have 5 contenders. Rangers, Carolina, Florida, Boston and Toronto. Of course one of Boston and Toronto will eliminate one of these two and the Rangers, Panthers and Hurricanes should breeze through to the second round. After that, the real playoffs in the East will start. You just have to get to that second round to have a chance to play for the Cup. It's an easier task in the East, compared to the West. So don't give up hope that the Leafs can't get there. Every team has it's strength's and weaknesses. There is no true powerhouse in the East. Florida looks great, but they played into the finals last year and may run out of gas, as the playoff intensity gets ramped up. It should be a great, intense playoffs this year.
- PrinceLH
I agree with the majority of this. I think it's too early to write off Tampa, but they are a slayable beast now.
I'd rank the East contenders thusly : (subject to change, actual mileage may vary)
1) Florida : as long as Bob continues being the goalie they overpaid for, they look like the team to beat in the East. It pains me to type this.
2) Boston : they just have some kind of evil mojo and refuse to start sucking like they should.
3) Leafs : the pragmatist in me is whispering "Carolina" in my ear, but I just can't shake the feeling in my gut that the Leafs are going deep this year. This is a magical year by Matthews and it cannot be wasted on another postseason collapse. I like the moves the Leafs have made, and I think they are going to be a hard out this postseason.
4) Carolina : they have all the right pieces in place, IF (big if) Andersen can carry the load. Leafs fans know Andersen all too well, and I think Carolina's fortunes ride with him this year.
5) Tampa : I would have Tampa higher on this list if Vasilevskiy was in elite form. He is not. I think Tampa is lucky to make it out of the first round this year (if they make it at all) if Vasi does not regain his form. If Vasi gets dialed in, then Tampa is going to be a hard out and will go deep.
6) New York : I probably should have NYR above Tampa, but my bias is going to show here. Shesterkin runs hot and cold and they just don't feel like a serious contender yet to my eye test. Breadman is having a good year though and they could easily leap-frog Tampa if Vasi continues to be average.
Pens are done. Dubas' Karlsson move is not paying off. Tampa should pay attention to the Pens this year, because this is where the Lightning are currently heading.
Detroit was Icarus. They flew too high and their Wings melted.
Ottawa is not ready for prime time.
Buffalo is not ready for prime time.
Montreal has reasons to be optimistic, but they are still a ways off. St. Louis has his work cut out for him. Slaf is coming alive though, and that is good.
