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Domination Station: The Leafs we expected

January 6, 2020, 10:17 AM ET [217 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It’s truly amazing what a coaching change can do for an underperforming professional team. The Maple Leafs of the Babcock era looked unmotivated and lacked chemistry and were losing their ever so important swagger. When you have a young roster full of high end players I will tell you it’s vital to have some swagger and confidence heading into each game.

You could see the instant motivation kick in with the Leafs players when Sheldon Keefe took over. Now that he’s had some time to get into the groove and the boys have had some time to play/practice under Keefe; they are firing on all cylinders.

I’ve loved the way Keefe has the lines flowing. Quite often at the start/end of a line change one of Tavares, Marner, Matthews or Nylander get a good 10-25 seconds together to see if they can’t create a bit of magic together before the other line mate jumps the boards. This little adjustment has the Leafs creating a bit more offense and also making it difficult for the opposition to defend as they aren’t always exactly sure who’s on the ice. A nice element of surprise when all of a sudden Matthews appears in the slot ready for the quick feed.

How about this offense? It’s sizzling hot; like when the hot plate comes out and the grease is spattering off.

Hyman has certainly been effective since returning to the Leafs lineup. He’s now got ten goals and six assists in 24 games played. Engvall has also been lighting the lamp as of late with four goals in his last six games; he’s fitting in better than expected. But the biggest surprise as of late is the play of Alex Kerfoot since joining the Tavares/Nylander combo. With eight points in his last ten games you can certainly see why the Leafs have been winning games and winning with authority.

Records are being set and this time it’s a coaching one by Sheldon Keefe. 15-4-1 after his first 20 games as the Maple Leafs coach is the best start in the franchises history. What a turn around!

The Leafs are now sitting second in the Atlantic Division with 53 points. There is a very good chance they will get bumped by Tampa Bay over the next week or two as they have two games in hand and are behind just one point. Regardless the Leafs are now where they should be, in a top three spot in the Atlantic.

We can all breath.

With three wins in a row and a 9-0-1 record in their last ten games; simply put the Leafs are the hottest team in the National Hockey League. Unfortunately Tampa Bay is the second hottest with seven wins in a row and an 8-1-1 record in their last ten games. It’s a tight race! Boston has 59 points and are struggling as of late with a 4-5-1 record in their last ten.

Now that we are passed the half way point of the season it’s never a bad idea to keep an eye on the standings. As we know that round one matchup will be the key to the Cup run. I’m fully confident the Leafs will be able to take it all if they can manage to get through the first round of the playoffs. That confidence boost will put this roster on a moon ride and you bet there will be bull rides to follow.

The Leafs host the Oilers tonight and Frederik Andersen will be going for his 22nd win of the season.

*NOTE* Rasmus Sandin was the defenseman of the tournament in the World Jr's

Enjoy the game and Happy New Year to all!

Thanks for reading.

Go Leafs Go!
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