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Toronto Maple Leafs: Playoff Push

By Andrew Boehmer

Feb 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock watches the game against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock watches the game against the San Jose Sharks in the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NHL Trade Deadline has passed and the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t do anything to hurt their long-term plan. It’s now time to focus in on the rest of the 2016-17 season, looking ahead to their playoff push. The race is tight, very tight.

Eastern Conference Wild Card

Like I said, the race is tight. Too tight for my liking and much of the Leafs fan base. Not to mention that the Leafs organization is feeling the same way. With the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators stretching their legs a bit, the quest to finish in a top three Atlantic spot seems tougher with each loss.

But, the good news is that the Leafs still occupy a Wild Card spot. Meaning as of right now, they’re in playoff contention. The only problem is that there are a couple of teams that would like to grab possession of it.

Both the New York Islanders and the Florida Panthers are only one point back from the Leafs. The Islanders have one game up on both clubs and that’s one of two reasons why they’re above the Panthers in the standings. The other reason is their number under the ROW (regulation plus overtime wins) column.

The Leafs have five really tough contests left in the regular season, in my opinion. However, they should be able to separate themselves from the pack if they’re able to get the two points in those lighter games. Now, that’s said very loosely. No game is easy. But, if you’re just looking at their matchups, you know what five teams I’m talking about.

From just looking at the Islanders and the Panthers schedules, it appears as though they will have a harder race to the finish line then the Leafs. That’s a really good thing if you’re a fan of the aforementioned, Toronto Maple Leafs.

Atlantic Division Dominance

Now, now, don’t start commenting or angry Tweeting at me just yet. I mean, feel free to. I always

(John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports)
(John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports) /

enjoy reading them. But, I haven’t gotten to the part where I write that the Leafs still have a chance at making a top three Atlantic spot. Or, dare I say, win the Atlantic Division, which is more improbable but fun to dream of. And yes, I do dare to say that.

The Leafs only sit three points out of an Atlantic position. The Canadiens lead the way with 78 points, followed by the Senators and the Boston Bruins with 72 respectively. There’s always a chance either Ottawa or Boston falls into a Wild Car spot and the Leafs move up. Lot’s of variables to consider when discussing which teams are in contention.

The Eastern Conference is as close as can be at this point in the regular season. If the Leafs can maintain and or improve proficiency, they will surely find themselves in this year’s playoffs. There are a few pesky teams that think they have a shot, but we all know the truth. They don’t.

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