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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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Toronto Maple Leafs
CALGARY, AB – APRIL 4: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Calgary Flames   (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

4. Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames come in at number four on this list. They are a big, solid team who play a physical style, one that has led to success in the recent seasons. On top of this, they are led by Darryl Sutter who led Los Angeles Kings teams to the Stanley Cup that were built much like the current team he has right now.

Their star forwards have been producing to expectation, with Johnny Gaudreau at 107 points and Matthew Tkachuk at 99 points. Tkachuk can frustrate the opposition with this offense, but his signature skill is being a pest. He doesn’t back away from anyone and there is always a scrum in front of the opposition’s net if he’s on the ice. He plays a type of hockey that has a good chance of succeeding in the playoffs, but he hasn’t succeeded yet. Maybe fourth time’s the charm.

Their top nine is also quite solid, with a third line of Dillon Dube, Calle Jarnkrok, and Blake Coleman. Blake Coleman specifically has made his presence in the postseason known with the Lightning, scoring goals at the opportune time for the team. There is a high chance that he will do the same for the Flames as they seem to have all but locked up their divisional championship.

I feel like the Calgary Flames are properly built for the playoffs, and have the ability to grind out their series to play in the conference finals. However, this all has to do with whether or not Noah Hanifin can remain healthy. He is their number one defenseman, and should expect to play half the game for the Flames. On top of this, Jacob Markstrom is having an amazing season at the moment, but if he gets injured they have a dependable backup in Dan Vladar until Markstrom comes back.

They play a physical game, and with their lineup of big guys, any team playing them will have their work cut out for them. Their fourth line will be finishing checks on the forecheck, and the durability of this team doesn’t seem to be in question as they enter the postseason.

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