The Toronto Mapleleafs Can Win the Stanley Cup

The Leafs and their fans are often considered the worst, or most intolerable in the league; they can never get it right. Been losing? “Your team sucks!”, “1967!”, “can’t even beat a zamboni driver!”.

Been winning? “You can celebrate when you actually win a playoff series”, “it’s too early to start planning the parade, the leafs always screw it up!”

Regardless if the Leafs have been winning or losing, the fans of other teams, and a lot of leafs fans themselves are relentless. Here’s a truth they’re not going to be able to accept: the Leafs can win the Stanley Cup this year. And here’s some reasons why.

Jack Campbell

It’s been awhile since there’s even been a debate to which goalie is going to start in the playoffs. Despite there being argument over who starts, Andersen or Campbell, the choice is very obvious.

Being the number one goalie doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the crease. Like many teams before, instead of going with your number one guy, they play the hot hand. For example, think about the Penguins in their 2016 cup run; rookie Matt Murray had the hot hand, and played over number one goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

Campbell set a team record of consecutive wins with 11, tying and beating league record held by Carey Price. Despite his injury early in the season, since Andersen has been out he’s done an excellent job taking over the crease. The only way I see the Leafs changing their minds on starting Campbell is if he starts to falter; but for now it seems like the obvious move is to continue with the hot hand.

Auston Matthews & his Impressive season

In 51 games played this season, Matthews has an astounding 41 goals. Some may argue “well, it’s because he’s in the North division! Of course he can score that many goals against teams like Ottawa and Vancouver”. Despite the division they’re in, scoring 41 goals is no easy feat.

The chemistry between Marner and Matthews this season has been unmatched. Who would have thought that putting them together was a good idea? Matthews from Marner is a phrase Leafs fans are getting all too familiar with, and I am here for it.

The most important additions Kyle made during the off season, and before the trade deadline:

Off season - Thornton, Simmonds, Bogosian, and Brodie

Did you ever think you’d be cheering for Thornton and Spezza as Leafs? Let alone at the same time? Thornton brings that experience and leadership to the Leafs that can help guide the young core past the first round.

With the addition of Simmonds and Bogosian, Dubas is adding some much needed grit and skill both offensively and defensively. Let’s not forget the acquisition of T.J Brodie, who has had himself quite a year, and is a solid two way defensemen. Finally, Rielly has a strong partner! He’s much better defensively than Barrie was, and is a much better fit.

Trade deadline - Folingo, Nash, Hutton, Rittich

Dubas didn’t stop at the trade deadline. He continued to manipulate cap space in order to get very valuable assets, one of the more important ones being Nick Folingo. Folingo brings to the table experience, leadership, grit, and talent. It truly took some cap maneuvering, but Dubas and Co had done it; they had assembled a playoff ready roster.

While it is entirely possible the Leafs can win the cup, the better question is will they? While they have all the tools to succeed this post season, there is obviously and always still a chance things do not go their way.

Quit living in the past

The Leafs as a franchise haven’t won a cup since 1967, or a playoff series since the early 2000s. Know who on the current leafs roster was a part of the team for that entire run? Nobody. That’s right, crazy isn’t it? Blaming the current leafs for the failures of the players before them is just plain stupid. They have zero control over what happened in game seven in may of 2013 (flashbacks, anyone?), or any of the other blunders in leafs history. What they are responsible for now as a team, is their game. They have full control over how they decide to proceed into the playoffs. Will they play lights out? Will they play overconfident? Will they start on time? Or too late? It’s entirely up to them.

This fanbase’s downfall is staying and living in the past. Because of all the players and teams the fans have witnessed since becoming fans, it’s stopped them from enjoying the now. This team is probably the best team the leafs have had in years. They are right where they aimed to be; a Stanley cup contender, winner of their division, with enough star power up front, and shut down D back to be able to put up a good playoff run.

Stay Out of Your Head!

That being said the Leafs themselves can’t live in the past either. For instance, if Andersen does happen to get a start, what’s to stop him from having his game seven woes? What’s to stop the entire team, if coming to game seven, from succumbing to the pressure? Don’t let the past few years of playoff let down change your game; learn and move past your mistakes.

The Leafs have what it takes to make it past the first round this year. Though the competition is fierce, and staying in what is considered to be the “weakest division” may end up biting them in the end, they have a fighting chance.

At the end of the day Leafs fans, enjoy the ride. We haven’t seen this good of a team in years. While it’s hard to forget the past few playoff runs cut abruptly short, there’s nothing that can be done to change that. Move on, and be happy with the team they’ve got!

Remember:

Be positive, be kind, and go leafs go!