|
Leafs Nation: The Playoff ‘March’ Approaches |
|
|
|
|
|
Are you really that surprised the Leafs didn’t make a bold move on trade deadline day? I’m not the least bit shocked as Dubas had already made a couple moves before hand acquiring two of the three biggest needs.
The Leafs added a quality backup goaltender and a feisty bottom six winger who can offer some grit, playoff experience and some protection for the smaller star players. I’ve already noticed Kapanen playing with more of an edge since Toronto added Kyle Clifford to the lineup.
I’m still in awe that Dubas was able to get anything more than an autographed 8.5x11 picture of a Colorado player for Hutchinson. The Marlies will welcome back Calle Rosen with open arms; that so called saga lasted much too long.
If Dubas moved Tyson Barrie at the deadline I’m sure he would be taking a licking from all the fans who wanted to keep Barrie. Perhaps he left the door open for some offers to roll in on Barrie with an open mind to move him if the right offer came. But ultimately decided to keep him as no juicy offers came their way.
Let’s not forget the Maple Leafs are still in a playoff position.
It’s on the players now. If they can put in a quality effort for the remaining games they should be able to squeeze into the playoffs in that third slot in the Atlantic Division. Sometimes no move, is a good move and in Florida’s case I think we saw exactly that with them moving the best player in the deal, Trochek. The return wasn’t bad, don’t get me wrong; I’m just not a huge fan of downgrading the talent coming in (4 players) for the higher end talent (1 player). But hey, as a Leafs fan, I’ve got to say I like that deal!
The Leafs have been embarrassed. If they don’t get a boost from being the joke of the NHL after the Zamboni incident then they really are doomed for the 2019/20 season.
If they want to continue to be mocked and ridiculed then they will fold and it will be one of the most disappointing Maple Leafs seasons of my life.
But I can’t give up on my Leafs, and I won’t give up on my Leafs. I’m a true fan and if I can survive the last 38 years of Maple Leafs hockey than I can survive anything and continue to be loyal to the Buds.
The Leafs have disappointed me too many times and I’m sure a lot of us fans feel that way. But here we are cheering the boys on right til the end. If some of the players had the heart and want of a Stanley Cup run than we’d be sitting a top the Eastern Conference right now.
I’m still a firm believer this team has the talent, but need the heart. We need a Grinch type miracle where the hearts of the players grow three sizes. Maybe infuse them with some of Gary Roberts blood.
Tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning will be one of the most difficult matchups. If the Leafs manage to win tonight and get a confidence boost heading into Thursday’s game against the Panthers it could be just what the doctor ordered.
With March around the corner, Toronto has nineteen games left to play and the Panthers have twenty. The teams square off twice in that span of games and both teams have been playing like a garbage pile as of late. It really could go either way, and you better believe anything can happen in the playoffs. If you don’t have that mentality then you really need to slap yourself in the face and quit being such a Debbie downer. That’s why we play the games, just ask Tampa Bay if you want some answers.
Let’s wish the boys some luck and hope they figure it out. Somethings got to give, and I’m looking at our Captain, Mr. Tavares needs to step up and rally the troops. The coach can only do so much and there is no doubt that Keefe has made a difference; now it’s time for JT to take charge.
Make that C on your chest count.
Let’s Go Leafs, time to honker down and play like playoff warriors for nineteen games; 200 feet, 110%.
Thanks for reading.
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • 
Join the Discussion:
»