The Toronto Maple Leafs have won four in a row, after beating the Lightning on Thursday.
Despite the winning streak, trade rumours are swirling around the Toronto Maple Leafs, as defenseman Justin Holl is rumoured to be available.
The Leafs had a lot of turnover this summer, and after about a month of the new season, the players seem to be settling nicely into their roles. Michael Bunting hasn’t been Zach Hyman, but he’s been serviceable, and both David Kampf and Ondrej Kase have excelled in a defensive role.
Even Nick Ritchie has played better after a slow star where he was perhaps miscast. Then again, the whole team was struggling and I am sure he’ll get another shot in the top six the next time the Leafs lineup gets juggled after a loss or two.
Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL Standings
The Toronto Maple Leafs are second in the Atlantic (though Boston is second by wining percentage, having played fewer games) and a solid ninth overall. Not bad considering just a week ago pretty much everyone was ready to burn the city down.
The Panthers and Hurricanes continue to set the pace with perfect records. Of course the two teams that are doing the best are a) the team I made fun of everyone for over rating and b) the team led by the goalie I was happy the Leafs moved on from.
That’s how she goes sometimes, but I stand by what I said, and believe that both the Hurricanes and Panthers will fall back to earth. Good news though: the Leafs are just three wins behind and coming on fast! (I hope!)
Arizona is winless, Chicago has just one win, and the Habs are in 29th place. Jack Eichel got traded and Morgan Rielly got signed to a solid seven year extension. I has been a jam packed week, but the best news of all is that the Toronto Maple Leafs won four games in a row.
The Atlantic division has been somewhat predictable so far in that four of the teams are terrible. Though Buffalo is currently doing better than expected, they along with Montreal, Ottawa and Detroit give the other four teams an advantage in that less teams than normal are competing for the three divisional playoff spots.
The Leafs will look to make it five in a row tonight against Boston. I think they will do it and that Auston Matthews scores five goals. That is my prediction! !