It’s another big week ahead for the Maple Leafs with four games on the horizon. The Buds are going to have to be better; specifically in the third period where they seem to be faltering far too often. It’s almost as if they decide to have a totally different approach to the game when they are trying to hold a lead. Perhaps it’s time for Keefe to adjust their approach in the third periods.
I’m not talking about a run and gun third period when only up a goal or two, but when the boys take the pedal off the metal they don’t have possession and they aren’t hemming in the opponent. Something’s got to give as we’ve seen too many periods lately where the Leafs only have a few shots in a twenty minutes span. That’s just not going to cut it when it comes to a playoffs game, so they better figure it out before then; and if they don’t you can bet they will be looking from outside the playoff picture.
Right now the Leafs are holding onto third place in the Atlantic by a thread. The Panthers have two games in hand and are behind two points. This is the time of the season when every point counts and could be the difference between an early season exit and a glorified playoff run.
Right now is the time for the Leafs players to crank it up a notch and get themselves confident and having the well oiled machine producing at its maximum output. The quality is there, it’s time for the results to show and solidify ourselves in that third slot in the Atlantic. Right now it’s simply too close for comfort!
There is no teams I hate losing more to than the Canadiens or the Bruins. Which is why I’m hoping for a round one matchup against Boston. I want revenge. I also think we have better odds against the Bruins than we would Tampa Bay. What are your thoughts? Whichever way you want to shake it; were going to have to beat some quality teams to get to the ultimate prize. I think the confidence boost in between Boston would be so big it could just pump the boys up for the ultimate run.
Toronto will square off against the Coyotes tomorrow night, Dallas on Thursday and then kick off the weekend with another double header against the Ottawa on Saturday and Buffalo on Sunday.
If Frederik Andersen is still banged up and needing some time the Leafs must be more confident with newcomer Jack Campbell. He was decent on Friday against the Ducks, but again the Leafs faded in the third period. Saturday, Campbell played back to back nights and was excellent against Montreal, giving up only one goal in regulation time.
Florida also has four games this week (Flyers, Devils, Flyers, Oilers). It’s not too early for scoreboard watching and cheering on other teams. Toronto and Florida face off two more times this season and those will be huge games.
Monday February 24th is NHL trade deadline. Will the Leafs make another splash?
I’m squashing the rumors of Leafs dressing room issues; don’t believe everything you read on twitter.
Big congrats to Matthews on his 40th goal this weekend. Let's hope the boys can stay clear of the flu that's making its way around the league.
Have a great day, thanks for reading!
Go Leafs Go!
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • 
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