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Where Do the Toronto Maple Leafs Stand Among Cup Contenders?

By Jeremiah Lee

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: A general view of Toronto Maple Leafs logo prior to an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: A general view of Toronto Maple Leafs logo prior to an NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Apr 9, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on during warm up before a game against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) . Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlantic Division looks to be a juggernaut, but the Toronto Maple Leafs may be able to make it out…Maybe.

Though Toronto Maple Leafs fans have suffered five straight playoff losses in the first round, their favorite team is in tough again this year because four of the NHL’s best teams are in the same division.

In the NHL, the playoffs are never easy, however the path to the Stanley Cup through the Atlantic division looks to be a doozy.

There are four Stanley Cup contenders on this side, with at least one of them bowing out in the first round. There will not be an easy matchup for the Maple Leafs at any point, as if they beat the Tampa Bay Lighting, then the Florida Panthers will most likely be waiting for them.

And you can’t forget about Boston.

In this article I will cover the power rankings of the top five Stanley Cup contenders, ranking them at their PEAK rather than their current state as anything can change in the playoffs (seriously, anything) and the playoffs bring the best out of most teams. (stats naturalstattrick.com).

This list will include both the Eastern and Western conference, but the rankings are quite skewed in the East’s favor this year.

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