The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Importance of the California Swing

This is an extremely pivotal point in the Toronto Maple Leafs season.

I mean, technically it’s a huge point in the season for the entire league in general, but more specifically the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Right now, they have a five point lead on the Panthers. Both teams have played the same amount of games, and so it looks like it will be a battle to the finish. This week in particular brings about one of the more exciting, yet long weeks of the season.

The California road trip brings about sleepless nights for many a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

Now, usually, the team either does very well or very poor in these trips, there really isn’t an in-between kind of mode.

This year, with all three California teams not performing well, the Toronto Maple Leafs should do well. Key word is should, because as we all know, the team is famous for giving up necessary points. The Buds will begin their road trip in San Jose, before facing LA and Anaheim on a back to back later in the week. Let’s take a closer look at the week ahead for our favourite Buds.

California Road Trip

San Jose: Tuesday

The Toronto Maple Leafs begin their California swing tonight against the San Jose Sharks. Now, the team has been in California since Sunday evening, and so they should be well rested and prepared.

Practice yesterday saw many an injured Leaf start to inch their way to a return, though sadly it is unlikely that any of Rielly, Ceci, Muzzin, or Mikheyev make their way into the lineup before the team returns to Toronto.

In their last five games, the Sharks post a record of 2-3-0, and they currently sit 6th in the Pacific Division. So, it is highly unlikely that the Sharks will make the playoffs, especially with the way the Western Conference playoff race is so tight this season. The Sharks will look to dampen the Leafs winning streak, and the Leafs will look to go 7 points up on the Panthers in the Atlantic Division.

Coach Keefe announced yesterday at the Toronto Maple Leafs practice that backup goaltender Jack Campbell will get the start in net tonight, and I personally think that’s the right call. Campbell would likely have started either Thursday/Friday, and so giving him the nod tonight allows him to freshen up and be ready when he faces a more familiar opponent in the SoCal teams.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, should, in all aspects, win this game. San Jose hasn’t had the greatest season, and at this point, Toronto needs to capitalize. And, what better way for Matthews to continue his quest for 50 goals then to help his team get a win?

Although, hey, if the team wins, I don’t even care who scores the goal.

Los Angeles: Thursday

Once tonight’s game in San Jose concludes (which will be closer to 2 am here in Toronto), the team is likely to make their way down to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Kings await a Thursday matchup with the Maple Leafs.

This will be the first time that Trevor Moore faces his former team, since he was traded to the Kings a few weeks ago. While I still do miss Trevor Moore, I am very pleased with the return we got for him in Clifford & Campbell. Both are welcome additions to the team, and I hope that they continue to make a positive impact.

In their last 5 games, the Kings post their own record of 3-1-1 and currently sit last in the Pacific. LA is going through a rebuilding period extremely similar to that in which the Maple Leafs went through in years prior. So, I have no doubt that the team will be good in years to come. However, like tonight’s game, this is an almost must win for the team.

Personally, I think Campbell should get the nod in net for this game too. If only for the fact that this will be the first time Clifford and Campbell play against their former team aswell. Both Campbell and Andersen are no stranger to the LA Kings, but I believe the best thing to do is put Jack in net. I mean, that all depends on how the San Jose game goes, but I’m confident.

Anaheim: Friday

The Toronto Maple Leafs end their California road swing in Anaheim on Friday against the Ducks. Now, this will be the latter half of a back to back, so it will be interesting to see how the team plays, especially if the first two games don’t go to plan.

The goaltending in this game will likely be whichever goaltender isn’t starting in LA the night before, although with Sheldon Keefe, you never know if one goaltender will start on both nights. Anaheim is 2-2-1 in their last 5, and they sit seventh in the Pacific.

So, it is likely that all 3 Canadian teams do not make the playoffs, and that means it is even more important that the Maple Leafs try their hardest to sweep California. Doing so will only help to pad the lead on Florida, and increase the chances that come April, Toronto is in the hunt for Stanley.

This California swing is important. Hopefully, the Toronto Maple Leafs can capitalize.