The truth is, the Leafs are in a good spot but shouldn’t be too comfortable sitting third place in the Atlantic Division. There are a number of teams that are playing catch-up while the Leafs fumble around far too often in the month of December and start of January.

Toronto, like all teams has their off nights; unfortunately they have lost a few too many games to some of the weaker teams in the league when they do have a stinker. Their first period glory has slowed down and they need to get back to starting the game at 110% and popping that ever so important first goal of the game.

The Maple Leafs are 4-4-2 in their last ten games and will need to pick up the pace in the second half of the season if they want to secure a playoff spot. Not only a playoff spot, but a quality spot to finish in would certainly be preferable so they end up with a so called “easier team” to play against. Last year the Leafs as we all know had to face the Washington Capitals in the first round. Avoiding this year’s President’s Trophy winners would be ideal…

I expect a similar push in the second half of this season as we saw last season with the Leafs really surged in the right direction and established themselves as a team that nobody wanted to face. The rookies caught fire; Matthews, Nylander and Marner were all electric and both Hyman and Brown stepped it up as well.

Obviously the Buds are missing Nikita Zaitsev and they will be for a couple more weeks as the Russian defender isn’t supposed to be back until the end of the month. Look for Zaitsev to get back in action and settle the defense down and log some heavy minutes.

There is also the chance Toronto adds a defenseman as the season continues to progress and the glaring need of another quality defender is quite obvious. The Leafs have some serious offensive depth they could move a few bodies around if need be. Perhaps management knows their future plans with JVR, Bozak and Komarov and one or two could be expendable in order to bring in some help on the back end. Perhaps another team is looking for some offensive help and there is a trade to be made.

The Leafs also have prospects like Kasperi Kapanen who are ready to make the jump, so he could fill the void of a traded player or potentially be traded himself.

There are some options for the Leafs management, perhaps they just stay put and go with what they have. There is something to be said about having faith in your players, system and team depth that can give the players a confidence boost as they settle in for the final stretch.

Last season the Leafs were such a late season powerhouse. I think it’s just a matter of time before we see the Matthews/Nylander connection ignite and start to carry the Leafs to the promise land as they prepare for their second playoff berth in as many years.

Could this be the season the Leafs push forward and make it passed the first round?

I think so.

The Leafs will host the St Louis Blues tomorrow night and will be well rested and eager to get back at it.

Thanks for reading, have a great day.

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