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Why the Toronto Maple Leafs will win the Atlantic Division

A divisional title is the tonic to lead the Leafs to playoff success.

By Jeremy Franks

May 12, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) battles for a loose puck with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and defenseman Jake McCabe (22) in front of goalie Joseph Woll (60) in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) battles for a loose puck with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and defenseman Jake McCabe (22) in front of goalie Joseph Woll (60) in the second period in game five of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports / Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Berube's leadership a welcome change

Speaking of Berube, he represents a new voice and a fresh start behind the Leafs bench. The Cup-winning coach, ex of the St. Louis Blues, arrives with a no-nonsense reputation. The reviews of former and current players and coaches suggest the Maple Leafs made a good choice for their next coach.

Sheldon Keefe was one of the most accomplished regular-season coaches in Leafs history but he could not translate that success to the playoffs. Last year's series loss to the Bruins cost him his job.

After five seasons with the same core of players and little postseason success, it was time to move on. His message was likely getting stale.

Increased accountability and getting the most out of his players have been used to describe Berube. His pedigree as a former NHL enforcer and title-winning coach brings immediate respect from his players. The symbolic nature of a new beginning under his guidance will benefit the Leafs.

Superior special teams play will help win games

The Leafs power play has been among the league leaders over the past eight seasons. They consistently find themselves among the top-five units in any given year.

With personnel like Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Tavares, and Rielly that is unlikely to change. New assistant coach Marc Savard brings optimism for even better results.

The Maple Leafs penalty-killing suffered last season. It was ranked an abysmal 23rd in the league at 76.9%. Despite that showing, the team has personnel that has been part of top-ten-ranked units in prior seasons.

Marner and David Kampf are proven performers while playing short-handed. Matthews should be improved from his initial foray into penalty-killing last year. Woll and Stolarz should bump up the team's ranking over the inconsistent play of former goalie Ilya Samsonov.

The addition of Tanev and his shot-blocking ability should also help the Leafs while playing short. The team's play while shorthanded should rebound to a more respectable level for all of those reasons.

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