It's been 9 years, 2 lockouts, and more than 50,000 orbits of the International Space Station since Toronto last saw playoff hockey, but after a 4-1 win over Ottawa on the weekend, the Leafs have finally been invited to the dance. The focus of the fans has already shifted from the years of suffering to the potential glory that awaits them. The buzz around the city has been massive, and there is even a petition going around to turn the CN Tower into the world's tallest goal light as the anticipation rises to a fever pitch.
However at the start of the season, the feeling was very different in TO. After a second half fizzle last year that saw the Leafs miss the playoffs again, and few roster upgrades over the summer, Leaf fans weren't very optimistic about their chances. To make matters worse, as soon as the lockout ended they fired GM Brian Burke and replaced him with Dave Nonis. Replacing your general manager is just about the lowest point a franchise can get.
However from the start of the season it appeared that something had changed. The players that were once so underwhelming were now playing to their potential and Toronto began to win their way to a playoff berth.
Phil Kessel has continued his outstanding play from last year with 48 points in 45 games, but it's the players around him that have really propelled the Leafs into the post-season. Nazem Kadri, the young enigmatic winger that many were willing to give up on, has been a revelation with 18 goals and 42 points during his first full season in Toronto. James vanReimsdyk, acquired from Philadelphia over the summer, has also put up 18 goals and would have picked up career best numbers over an 82 game schedule. Captain Dion Phaneuf has seen a return to form, despite leading a defense corps that has been average at best.
Added to all that is the play of goalie James Reimer. During the summer there was much talk that the Leafs wouldn't be able to compete if they didn't upgrade their goaltending. Roberto Luongo's name was tossed about all year as a potential saviour between the pipes, and Miikka Kiprusoff was added to the speculation at the trade deadline. Ultimately the Leafs stuck with what they had, and it's a good thing too. With 18 wins and a .926 save percentage, it looks like the 25 year old Reimer has finally evolved into a quality starting goaltender in the NHL.
It should be noted that all these players were acquired by the now disposed Brian Burke. Fired for not being able to get his team into the playoffs during his tenure, he now gets the pleasure of watching the core he assembled play in the post-season. That must be a bitter pill to swallow.
So do the Leafs have a chance to actually capture Lord Stanley's Cup? It's difficult to say. The Leafs are one of the youngest teams in the NHL and consequently do not have a lot of playoff experience on the roster. The defense hasn't exactly been stellar, they're currently 17th in goals against, and too many nights Reimer has been forced to bail them out. One thing is certain, they are sure to score goals, so if the D can hold it together, and Reimer can stay hot, they are definitely a darkhorse to watch out for in the East.
Thanks for reading! Please share if you like the content here at WAAP, and don't forget to comment. Your sharing and interactivity means a lot to this little blog, and I appreciate all your support. I'll be back tomorrow with some more posts and fun gifs. Your evening gif is brought to you by Daniel Sedin's goal against the Blackhawks last night. Just check out that sweet bank pass from Henrik.
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