The Stretch Drive

There is really not a lot of things to talk about at the moment. The Leafs have managed to lock down a playoff spot, with the only thing left being the battle for top spot in the Atlantic Division. There’s a debate raging about where the Leafs would be better off landing in the standings, as it pertains to who they would match up against in Round 1 of the playoffs. The three possible 1st round opponents are Florida, Tampa Bay and Ottawa and all 3 stand as a serious threat to send the Buds to the golf course early again this season.

It’s the fact that I don’t have any positive expectations that will keep me from talking about those matchups in depth, but I’ll give you a very quick synopsis.

The Tampa Bay Lightning
The good: The Leafs have beaten them in the playoffs before. Actually, they’re literally the only team they have ever beaten in the playoffs. That may give them a mental boost.
The bad: The Bolts have one of the best goaltenders in the game today. He can steal multiple rounds in a playoff run. He has stolen multiple rounds in a playoff run. They have players that feast on the Leafs’ defense, such as Kucherov and Point. They also have the best blueliner among either team in Victor Hedman. Basically, they stack up well against the Leafs at all 3 positions and they’ve won a Stanley Cup before.
What it all comes down to: If the Leafs’ stars can stop being hot garbage in the playoffs the Leafs win this one. They have a decent blueline and some good role players, while their goalies have had a good season. They just need their stars to be stars.

The Florida Panthers
The good: Nothing…. there is no positive within this matchup.
The bad: Everything. Literally every aspect of the game can go in favour of the Panthers. They’re more physical, more determined, have a deep team at every position and rolled over the Leafs 2 years ago in the second round. It was embarrassing. There are quite a few changes to their roster since then, but enough of that team still remains to dash all hope for this fan.
What it all comes down to: If the Leafs’ stars can stop being hot garbage in the playoffs the Leafs win this one. They have a decent blueline and some good role players, while their goalies have had a good season. They just need their stars to be stars.

The Ottawa Senators
The good: The Leafs finished the season higher in the standings? Is that good? Because it has never seemed to make a difference for Toronto before.
The bad: The Sens swept the season series. They also treat the battle of Ontario like a true rivalry, whereas the Leafs treat a game against the Senators the same way they treat a game against the Utah Hockey Club…. you know, that first year team that doesn’t even have an official name yet!! The Sens goaltending seems to have settled down with the addition of Linus Ullmark, their blueline is very mobile, they can score and the Leafs have absolutely no answer for Brady Tkachuk, who will run amuck under the far more loose playoff rules. This will be an embarrassing series for the Leafs if it happens.
Okay, there may be some good to this: When they lose to the Senators it could mean the firing of Brendan Shanahan.
What it all comes down to: If the Leafs’ stars can stop being hot garbage in the playoffs the Leafs win this one. They have a decent blueline and some good role players, while their goalies have had a good season. They just need their stars to be stars.