Good morning, Toronto Maple Leafs fans!
With the trade deadline now behind us, we’ve spent the weekend dissecting the deals, so let’s shift our focus to the standings. As we head towards the playoffs, the question lingers: Will the Maple Leafs secure a wild card or division playoff spot?
Currently placed third in the Atlantic Division with 82 points, the Leafs trail behind the Boston Bruins at 91 points (second place) and the leading Florida Panthers at 92 points. While holding an 8-point advantage over the fourth-place Tampa Bay, it’s tempting to downplay concerns, especially considering their closest Wild Card contender, the Detroit Red Wings, lags behind by 10 points. The Leafs’ fate seems intertwined with the battle for first place between Boston and Florida, and fans are eager for redemption, anticipating a showdown with the Bruins.
Turning our attention to the Toronto Marlies, although not as dominant as in 2018, they currently hold a playoff spot, sitting fourth in the North Division with 61 points, tied with the Belleville Senators. While surpassing the second-place Cleveland Monsters (72 points) may be a tall order, the Marlies face competition from the Rochester Americans, Laval Rocket, and Utica Comets in a tight race for positioning.
In the AHL playoffs, the North Division features a unique format, with the 4th and 5th place teams engaging in a three-game series to determine who will face the top team. For the Marlies, this could mean a matchup against the 5th place Rochester Americans.
On another front, the Newfoundland Growlers currently stand third in the North Division of the ECHL with 61 points, trailing the Norfolk Admirals by 12 points and the Adirondack Thunder by 17. The Growlers face competition from the Worcester Railers, hot on their heels, just 5 points behind at 56. If the standings hold, they would face the Norfolk Admirals, the same team that ended the Marlies’ Calder Cup run in 2012.
Meanwhile, the PWHL TBA’s lead the league, tied with Montréal. Toronto’s women’s team, tied for first with one more regulation win, could become the first PWHL champion. The innovative playoff format allows the top-seeded team to choose their opponent between 3rd and 4th place.
Looking ahead, the Leafs’ next game is against the Philadelphia Flyers, whose coach, John Tortorella, faces a two-game suspension and a $50,000 fine for refusing to leave the bench. The Leafs’ visit on Thursday promises an intriguing matchup.
Wishing you a great day!