Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Reasons for Playoff Optimism

By Jarrett Noakes

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs shakes hands with referee Brad Watson #23 and linesman Lonnie Cameron #74 during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on February 16, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs shakes hands with referee Brad Watson #23 and linesman Lonnie Cameron #74 during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on February 16, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 06: William Nylander #29 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a second period goal with teammates on the bench against the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on April 6, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 06: William Nylander #29 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a second period goal with teammates on the bench against the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on April 6, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the Stanley Cup playoffs having won only four of their last fourteen games, but a closer look shows that there are many reasons to be optimistic.

The Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967, nor have they made it past the first round of the playoffs in 17 years.

Predictably, pessimism has grown among a fan base that has come to expect the worst.

However, the franchise has turned over a new leaf after extensive personnel changes from top to bottom and the growth of a talented core. Here are some crucial reasons why this year’s team should inspire optimism heading into the playoffs.

Home/Analysis