5. New York Rangers
The Rangers have been one of the biggest stories of the year for all the wrong reasons. At the time I'm writing this, the Rangers are sitting just outside the second Wild Card spot. They're far from a lock but you can't look at the playoff race in the Eastern Conference without including the Rangers. They have made a few big trades this season. They have moved off of Trouba, Lindgren and Chytil while bringing JT Miller back to the Big Apple.
What scares me about the Rangers is Igor Shesterkin and their playoff experience. If Shesterkin gets hot going into the playoffs and this Leafs team who already struggle to score have to play a locked-in Igor Shesterkin, it is going to be a hard series to watch.
They also have guys on the roster who perform well in the playoffs. JT Miller was solid for Vancouver last year, Kreider has been vital to the Rangers in the playoffs and we have also seen Alexis Lafreniere elevate his game come playoff time.
They haven't looked good but I wouldn't be excited to play against them in the playoffs.
4. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal have been a huge surprise this season.
Lane Hutson is a top three in the Calder race, posting five goals and 48 assists for a total of 53 points in 68 games (stats from NHL.com). He has been sensational and is so impressive to watch as a rookie defenceman.
Suzuki is over a point per game, Caufield has reached the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career and Slafkovsky has had a good second half of the season. So much has gone right for the Habs, especially in the second half of the year.
If the Leafs get the Habs as their first-round matchup, there is a little bit of scar tissue, there's no denying it. I still think the Leafs would take this series.
I like the goaltending matchup for the Leafs and the key factor in the last series against Montreal was Phillip Danault. Danault absolutely shut down Matthews and now the Habs don't have a guy like that.
I like this matchup for the Leafs in the first round.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have been a Cinderella story this season but it seems like they're falling off.
They are still in the race but at the time I'm writing this, they have scored one goal in the last four games and are 0-4-1 in their last five.
They have some nice pieces on this team. Werenski is having a Norris-caliber season, Marchenko has been a revelation this season, Kent Johnson has taken a step and Monahan has been very productive when he's been on the ice. For this team to be in the race for the Wild Card is shocking following the tragedy right before the season.
I hope this team finds its way into the playoffs because it would be a fantastic story.
With that being said, I think the Leafs would do well against this team. The goaltending is weak and there isn't much experience on this roster. I like the matchup and I think the Leafs would win this series.