The Toronto Maple Leafs Road Record Is a Potentially Huge Playoff Advantage
The Toronto Maple Leafs recent 5-2 win over the New Jersey Devils was their 24th of the season when playing away from the friendly confines of Scotiabank Arena. That victory set a new franchise record for road victories.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a chance to add to their total next week when they conclude the regular season with a pair of games in Florida against the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Auston Matthews and his chase for 70 goals is the most captivating storyline surrounding the team, but the Leafs have quietly moved within striking distance of the Panthers for second-place in the Atlantic Division.
The Leafs now control their destiny to attain home-ice advantage in the first round. Win their remaining four games of the season (they'd have to beat the Panthers in regulation time) and the playoffs would start in Toronto. The question is, do they want it?
The Toronto Maple Leafs Road Record Is a Potentially Huge Playoff Advantage
Currently, the Leafs have the second-best road record in the NHL. Interestingly enough, the Panthers, their likely first-round opponent, are behind them, followed by the Boston Bruins.
In the recent past, winning on the road has been a key to success during the playoffs. Last spring, the away teams went on a historic run during the first round of the postseason. Part of that run was an eleven game winning streak for visiting teams.
The Leafs contributed greatly to the achievement of the road teams. They had three thrilling overtime away victories during their first-round series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Leafs then added another road victory against the Panthers in the second round.
They had four wins in five away games during last year's playoffs. That was tied for the best postseason winning percentage. It bodes well for the Leafs that all of the key players from last season have returned and know what it takes to win in the opponent's arena during the playoffs.
That also carried over to this year's regular season play.
Fans of the Leafs Deserve Credit, Too
A nod must also be given to the fans of the Leafs who make a habit of filling opposing arenas in droves. It's deflating for the home team to have their fans' cheers overtaken by chants from Leafs Nation.
There was no greater example of this than when Matthews scored his 60th goal in Buffalo.
The unbridled passion exhibited by followers of the team gives the Leafs some added juice when playing away from home.
The traveling fan base, however, may be somewhat limited come playoff time, especially if teams mimic what the Panthers did last spring. Yet, you can bet that Leafs fans will do their best to be there and make their presence felt.
There are certain undeniable advantages when playing at home. The last change for Sheldon Keefe and the crowd support being the biggest.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs, though, have demonstrated that, if necessary, they can handle life on the road.