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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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DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 01: Former Detroit Red Wings head coach and current Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock watches the No. 4 jersey retirement ceremony of former Red Wing Red Kelly (not pictured) prior to an NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena on February 1, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 01: Former Detroit Red Wings head coach and current Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock watches the No. 4 jersey retirement ceremony of former Red Wing Red Kelly (not pictured) prior to an NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena on February 1, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /

#7 – Mike Babcock Brings Stability in Tough Stretches

Head coach Mike Babcock has received criticism recently for his personnel usage including line combinations, defensive pairings, and the Leafs underperforming power-play.

While there are valid arguments for why players like Auston Matthews and Travis Dermott should be receiving more ice time than they do, the head coach’s role involves far more than player deployment.

Babcock’s role as a proven winner and positive communicator and mentor is valuable to the Leafs. His even-keeled approach whether winning or losing is the calming influence that this young Leafs team needs playing in a hockey-crazed city.

Babcock continues to be the right man for the job.

#8 – The Leafs Losing Streak had No impact on the Standings

While the team’s losing skid was a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season, the consequences were minimal. The Leafs have been secured in an inevitable playoff matchup with the Boston Bruins for over a month.

Not only does that take some of the pain of losing away, but it could also serve as a reasonable explanation for why the team began losing in the first place. With so little to play for, the Leafs likely found it difficult to match the focus and competitiveness of teams fighting for playoff spots and better positioning.

As the Leafs head into the playoffs for the third season in a row, it is important to remember that this team did not live through the years of mediocrity and losing that preceded them, and for that reason, they are not destined to repeat their mistakes, nor are they soured by their defeat.

Next. Best Line Combinations for the Playoffs. dark

With a new outlook and a bright future, this Leafs team deserves the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. There are certainly reasons for optimism in Leaf land.

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