As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the Stanley Cup playoffs, they find themselves facing a yet-to-be-determined opponent. While the Leafs don’t have the luxury of choosing their adversary, there are compelling reasons why facing the Florida Panthers in the first round might be the best option.
A Rematch with History
For Leafs fans, the prospect of a rematch with the Florida Panthers undoubtedly stirs up a whirlwind of emotions, offering a chance at redemption after last year’s disappointing second-round exit. Memories of that 4-1 defeat still linger, leaving a bitter taste that fuels the desire to rewrite history.
The anticipation for a rematch reached a fever pitch after last night’s intense showdown, where both teams exhibited a level of physicality that resulted in numerous scrums throughout the game. This physical series could serve as crucial preparation for the Leafs, especially if they advance and face their perennial rivals, the Boston Bruins, in the second round.
Adding to the intrigue is the current standings situation, with the Panthers trailing the Bruins by a mere two points in the Atlantic division. This tight race sets the stage for a potential Leafs-Bruins first-round matchup, intensifying the stakes for both teams and adding another layer of excitement to the playoff picture.
Advantages of Facing the Panthers
On a tactical level, the Panthers present a different challenge compared to the suffocating defence of the Boston Bruins. The Leafs have struggled against the Bruins this season, going 0-4 and seeming suffocated by their defensive depth. A first-round matchup against the Panthers, in contrast, could offer a different dynamic. The Panthers aggressive forecheck could play into the Leafs strengths, offering more opportunities for their dynamic offensive playmakers to shine.
Handling the Panthers Aggression
The Panthers aggressive forecheck poses a challenge for the Leafs defence, which has faced difficulties in transitioning the puck out of their own zone this season. With nine active defencemen on the roster, protecting the puck and making strong first passes will be crucial for the Leafs. However, recent observations suggest that the Panthers may not pressure behind the net as aggressively as other teams, potentially providing opportunities for Leafs players like William Nylander and Max Domi to capitalize on plays from behind the net. This could also be an advantage for Mitch Marner when he makes his return from the reported high ankle sprain.
Lineup Dynamics and Playoff Readiness
As key players return from injury, the Leafs lineup is gearing up for changes ahead of the playoffs. There’s speculation about the sustainability of certain line combinations, particularly the youthful trio of Knies–Holmberg–Robertson. While this line has been productive recently, there are speculations regarding their ability to perform under the pressure of the playoffs.
Moreover, the Leafs penalty kill has shown promise in recent games. However, they need to be cautious to avoid unnecessary penalties that could be costly in crucial playoff moments. The absence of Calle Järnkrok raises questions about the penalty kill’s strength without him, but forwards Connor Dewar and David Kämpf have stepped up in their absence.
Despite the Leafs impressive penalty kill statistics, with a PK percentage of 78.8% in their last 10 games, the team’s tendency to take avoidable penalties remains a significant concern. While they successfully nullified powerplays by the Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and New Jersey Devils in recent games, consistently granting such opportunities to opponents could hinder a deep playoff run.
Defensive Presence
Regardless of the opponent, the Leafs must adopt a relentless defensive mindset to assert physicality on the ice. The addition of Joel Edmundson adds a physical edge to Toronto’s blue line, gearing them up for a tough first-round matchup.
Edmundson’s acquisition was a smart move by Toronto’s front office, bringing grit into the blueline. His tenacity, notably against Leon Draisaitl in the March 23 game against the Oilers, set the tone for future matchups. Facing off the next day against Carolina on March 24, Edmundson’s presence in the corner made opponents think twice before challenging him. This intensity is vital, especially when preparing for tough opponents like Boston or Florida in the postseason.
Who Gets the Nod?
The Leafs have yet to disclose who their starting goalie will be come playoff time. However, the red-hot Ilya Samsonov has been outstanding for the Leafs, recording his 100th career win and providing a solid presence between the pipes. On the other side, Joseph Woll has been steady since his return from injury, offering a reliable option in net regardless of who gets the nod.
Fan Expectations and Playoff Aspirations
As the Leafs faithful eagerly anticipate the start of the playoffs, the excitement is palpable. Leafs fans are ready for April 20th, the first day of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and they’re hungry for a second-round appearance. More than anything, fans want to see the team go further than they have in recent years. A first-round matchup against the Panthers stands as the best option for the Leafs.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
