*SIGH* Typical Leafs bashing. So predictable. Fall back on the same lines of cap space folly, blah, blah, blah. Ignore the cheap signings used to fill out the roster very effectively (i.e. Bunting, Kase when he was healthy, Kampf).
They are contenders. The numbers are there....top 4 in the league, playing in an extremely tough division at the top end (I ignore the bottom feeders because the Leafs suck against them).....top-notch specialty teams.
BUT....
This guarantees nothing. They have demons to slay, for sure, and they are going to be in the toughest matchup in the first round, regardless of who they play (unless the Panthers collapse and they win the division). They could very likely wind up losing in the first round.....again. And if so, heads should roll. In the end it will not come down to goaltending. They get November goaltending....look out! They get February goaltending.......FORE! But to say they are not contenders.....assanine.
- bullethead7
I'm not here to bash the Leafs, this is my opinion of their reality. It's not about their healthy roster, it's more about the battle of attrition that is the Stanley Cup playoffs. They barely have 5 quality defensemen, they will need 8-10 to get through the playoffs. If Campbell is/gets hurt, they are done. Zero depth everywhere but their forward group. They are also in arguably the best division in hockey, with IMO, 2 better all round teams. I'm not calling 3 teams from one division contenders.
Offence first hasn't won a cup since the 80's. This is why you keep hearing the same lines about cap management and why you keep seeing early exits from the playoffs. Unless that major issue is addressed, mark my words they will never sniff the finals, never mind a cup.
