There were many games in years past where the Maple Leafs would have that ever so ugly first shot go into the back of their net and the players and fans would have that ever so sour taste in the mouth. A game they have been priming up for all day, perhaps days and instantly they are fighting from behind. It was the worst and I’m quite thankful those days are behind us.
This Leafs team can score goals and Andersen can certainly stop the puck. He’s back in the driver’s seat right now and putting up monster numbers for the Buds while they make their playoff push. That a boy Andersen, it really has been great having big Freddie tends the twine this season, he’s brought a lot of confidence to the team as a whole; we fans included.
In his last five games Andersen has had 161 shots and only 10 have gone in. When Freddie let’s in two goals it seems that more often than not the Leafs are able to squeeze out two points. He’s been very reliable in the overall picture and it sure looks good on management as they scooped him up and signed him to a five year deal right out of the gates. I think that gave Andersen a boost of confidence knowing that Lamoriello, Babcock and Shanahan had faith in his goaltending skills. I know if those three were backing me, I would certainly be feeling good about myself.
Andersen has been a big difference maker this year, huge even.
If the Leafs can get Marner, Matthews and Nylander all heating up at the same time it could be complete domination out there. Lately it seems as if Matthews has slowed down production wise, whereas Marner has been on fire now for a couple of weeks. Nylander has been playing well for quite some time now (since the all-star break) and that’s what the Leafs need down the stretch. If they can have their top nine performing night in night out, it will just depend on who’s got that extra flare and can bury a goal or two for the blue and white. This makes the Leafs ever so dangerous as Babcock has a few different options and can get his preferred matchups.
Toronto’s Morgan Rielly has had somewhat of a disappointing season, mostly because we all expect more out of him. Perhaps Rielly has been nursing a lingering injury that kept him out a few games. Nevertheless we fans know what Morgan can do, and have this feeling there is another level to be hit. We may have to wait another season before this happens as Rielly has had increased duties since the Maple Leafs defensive core is a weak spot.
There is no doubt that Rielly’s offense was a big part of why the Leafs went and drafted him when they did. He’s been working so hard on the defensive side of his game as that’s what the Leafs need most to succeed. Not that I’m making excuses for Morgan’s production, but I would fathom that’s part of the learning curve before the point totals begins to climb in seasons down the road.
It won’t hurt when Lamoriello and the boys go out and add another top four defencemen to round out the core. I feel that may help Rielly and the Maple Leafs overall as they will not be depending on so few defenders and will be more well rested for those key moments.
Rielly buried a huge goal for the Leafs on Saturday night when he fired his fourth of the season passed Cam Ward sealing the deal and getting the Leafs the much needed two points and six of six on the week.
It was a monstrous week for Leafs Nation!! The boys are now sitting in the final wildcard spot but only two points back of the Bruins with a game in hand. The way I see it, the Leafs are picking it up a notch and at the right time. I’m hoping the Bruins and Islanders peeked early and will stumble as the going gets tougher down the final stretch leading up to the playoffs.
Whether or not it’s a wildcard finish versus the topper of the East (Pittsburgh or Washignton) or a matchup against Montreal or Ottawa, I’m all for it.
This young Leafs team won’t be intimidated by anyone or any team. I’d say they have the same odds of beating Montreal/Ottawa as they would Washington/Pittsburgh. It may sound like I have the “blue goggles… on, but the way this Leafs team plays, who knows!
A battle of Ontario or a series against the Habs would be dreamy. It could even ignite a new rivalry as the Leafs look like they could be a team to beat in years to come with all their fresh young talent. Us fans, we will take what we can get. A playoff run of any sorts after being 30th last season would be nothing but a ride on the gravy train.
Toronto faces Florida on Tuesday, Tampa Bay on Thursday and Chicago on Saturday.
I called three wins last week and I’m going to call two more wins and a tie versus Chicago on Saturday, giving the Leafs five of six points this week.
What team would you like the Leafs to play round one if they can squeeze in?
Go Leafs Go!
Thanks for reading, have a great week.