Can the Toronto Maple Leafs catch the Boston Bruins in the standings to get home ice advantage?
It will be close. But, with 8 games remaining, even without home ice, Jake Muzzin says, the last few games (and practices) will be crucial.
"“It’s not easy to just flip the switch and all of a sudden be ready for playoff hockey. So, every practice and game we’re taking steps to be a better playoff hockey team”"
The Leafs will have a tough test tonight against a goalie that I’m sure both the players, Mike Babcock, and the fans will remember.
Alexander Georgiev
The Rangers backup stopped an astounding 55 of 56 shots in the Rangers 4-1 win over the Leafs in February. It was even on his birthday. But, the Rangers are going to have a tough test tonight, as well. They’re riding a 5-game losing streak and they’re coming into Toronto where the Leafs are starting to get hot again.
At the Leafs end, it will be Frederik Andersen. This will be his 55th start of the season and he will likely hit 60 for the 3rd straight season.
In the standings, 6 points is what separates the Leafs and Bruins. Both teams have 6 games left and relatively easy schedules (with the exception of the Lightning), and even if the Leafs don’t get home ice, it’s good to hear that they will at least get Travis Dermott back before the playoffs, and maybe Jake Gardiner too.
But, what’s even more interesting is, as the Leafs get players back, the Bruins receive an injury of their own.
Sean Kuraly sustained a fracture in his right hand during the team's game against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, March 21. Dr. Matt Leibman performed a successful surgery to repair the fracture, and the expected recovery time is approximately four weeks.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 23, 2019
Kuraly played a pretty big role in last years series against the Leafs (2G, 2A) and with him being out, it depletes Boston’s centre depth out even more. But, the Bruins lost David Pastrnak for a month, and still won games, so let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.
Either way, this is still a huge 2 points for the Leafs. We’ve seen in the NHL that anything can happen. So, why not think home ice is still a possibility?
With Matthews and Nylander playing great hockey as of late, and all the players just getting back to playing the Leafs system, there’s still that chance at home ice.
If home ice indeed happens to be in the Leafs hand, this series could be different. But, if not, I’m sure we’ll still get the best performance out of the players and maybe, just maybe, see them slay the dragon and eliminate the Boston Bruins.
Thanks for reading!