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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) /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 23: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates to the net at the start of the second period against the New York Rangers at the Scotiabank Arena on March 23, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 23: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates to the net at the start of the second period against the New York Rangers at the Scotiabank Arena on March 23, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#3 – Frederik Andersen Will Bounce Back to Form

Frederik Andersen’s .890 save percentage in March came as somewhat of a surprise from the affectionately dubbed “Steady Freddie.” However, Andersen has been a model of consistency throughout his career and should be able to regain his form from earlier this season. In fact, a few strong performances In April suggest that he could be finding his game already.

In each of Andersen’s last 4 seasons he has finished with a save percentage between .917 and .919. His cool demeanour and history in the league suggest that he is not at risk of suffering from a prolonged slump or damaged confidence.

#4 – William Nylander is Back to His Old Self

Nylander’s public contract dispute with the team forced him to miss the first two months of this year’s season. When he did come back, he struggled for an extended time to catch up to the pace of the game. Since being reunited on a line with Auston Matthews, Nylander has played with much more energy.

Nylander’s improvement has shown on the stat sheet with 10 points and 47 shots in the last 13 games of the regular season. More than that though, Nylander’s often referenced “compete level” has been a strong suit of late and should translate to a better playoff showing for him than last year.

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