The first round of the NHL playoffs is about to start for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They will face off against their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens in a best of seven series.
A series that has been 42 years in the making is sure to be entertaining. Especially for the fans old enough to remember the last meeting between these two in 1979.
So many things can go right or wrong in a best of seven series. Those things could make or break the series for a team.
As these two teams get set to battle it out, here are a few bold predictions as to what I think could happen.
John Tavares Will Lead The Toronto Maple Leafs In Points
During the last couple of weeks during the regular season, John Tavares was doing well and was contributing almost on a nightly basis.
With the combination of him playing well going into the NHL playoffs and the fact that Auston Matthews is going to be watched very closely, I think Tavares will capitalize.
As the team’s captain, it would help to have him lead by example in these important games.
Rasmus Sandin Will Prove That His Time Is Now
This season, Rasmus Sandin used his limited playing time to prove that he belongs in the NHL.
He recorded four assists in nine games and averaged just over 14 minutes a game. During those nine games, he also recorded seven blocked shots and 11 hits.
His best game of the season was on April 29th, against the Vancouver Canucks. In that game, he recorded an assist, two hits, and three blocked shots with a total ice time of 21:39.
I think he will see plenty of ice time in this series and even show off his talents on the power play.
Jack Campbell Will Be Outstanding
Jack Campbell is going to prove that the regular season was not a fluke and that he is the Toronto Maple Leafs number one goaltender.
Even if we end up seeing all four of Campbell, Frederik Andersen, Carey Price, and Jake Allen play in this series, Campbell will be the best goaltender out of the bunch.
Veterans Will Benefit The Toronto Maple Leafs
Players like Joe Thornton, Jason Spezza, and Wayne Simmonds will do what all good veterans do, and that is finding a way to play at a higher level come playoff time.
These three players will play crucial roles in this first round-series. They will make the most of every opportunity when they are called upon by head coach Sheldon Keefe.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Will Win The Series
This team has the skill, speed, grit, and experience to make a deep run in these playoffs. Winning their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens is just the first step, and I think they will do so in six games or less.