{"id":109010,"date":"2021-05-09T12:57:12","date_gmt":"2021-05-09T16:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=109010"},"modified":"2021-05-09T12:57:12","modified_gmt":"2021-05-09T16:57:12","slug":"toronto-maple-leafs-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2021\/05\/09\/toronto-maple-leafs-youth\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto Maple Leafs Youth Could Propel Team in Playoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Maple Leafs youth could serve the team well come playoff time. In the playoffs, experience is the common desired trait that teams look for to push them over the edge into contention. The Maple Leafs have experienced guys who have won it all like Jake Muzzin<\/a> and Zach Bogosian<\/a>. They also have more guys who have made it to the dance and came home empty-handed like Joe Thornton<\/a> and\u00a0Jason Spezza.<\/a><\/p>\n

Their established group of Morgan Rielly<\/a>, John Tavares<\/a>, Nick Foligno<\/a>, and T.J. Brodie<\/a> are a strong bridge between the old hands and the young stars. When paired with their young core, this team has the chance to make a lot of noise in this year’s playoffs. Here are the young players that could make the biggest impact as the Maple Leafs strive to make history.<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs Youth Could Propel Team in Playoffs<\/h2>\n

The Big Three<\/h3>\n

As young as they are, the Maple Leafs’ three-headed monster is as lethal as they come. Mitch Marner<\/a>, Auston Matthews<\/a>, and William Nylander<\/a> have taken over and run with the team since they all debuted in 2016. All three are having big seasons in their own respect. Matthews will win the Rocket Richard trophy this season with 40 goals,\u00a0 Marner sits third in points, and Nylander is close to another 20 goal season, which would be his fourth in six years. This being a shortened year is even more impressive.<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs have committed a lot to these three and will ride or die on their success. The three of them will need to step up and not only contribute in the playoffs but also stay committed to the team’s success. Their in-game energy is electric and intoxicating. The passion they all show for the game is exactly what a team needs to stay motivated through the playoff marathon.<\/p>\n

The scoring prowess of the group paired with the hardstyle of Foligno and Zach Hyman<\/a> only accentuates the team’s success. Missing both Hyman<\/a> and Foligno<\/a> has not weighed them down in the last couple of regular-season games they have left. As they join the group in the playoffs the team will only get stronger.<\/p>\n

As mentioned, the Maple Leafs will live or die on the success of Marner, Matthews, and Nylander. With the way they are playing this right now, Toronto is in good hands<\/p>\n

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Auston Matthews \ud83e\udd1d 40 goals#LeafsForever<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/NsBDxWgsh9<\/a><\/p>\n

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 7, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n