The Toronto Maple Leafs 5-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday could not have been timed any better, as the team is getting hot at the exact right time pf the season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games and are riding a four-game winning streak.
More importantly, the winning streak has catapulted the Leafs to a four-point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division. At the same time, the Florida Panthers’ shocking five-game losing streak has dropped them to the third spot in the Atlantic.
Don’t look now, but Ottawa Senators are climbing up the standings and sit two points behind the Panthers for third. If the Sens continue their strong push, and the Panthers continue to struggle, the Panthers could surprisingly fall to a wild card position.
Toronto Maple Leafs blowout win over CBJ shows team hot at the right time
Regardless of how the Atlantic Division ultimately plays out, the Leafs are getting hot at the right time. The offensive is humming along, while the defense is doing its job. The 5-0 shutout against the Blue Jackets is a great example of that.
This season, the Leafs look determined to finish atop the division and head into the playoffs playing their best hockey. That seems to be the mindset, and it looks to be working.
Earlier this season, the Toronto Maple Leafs played two lackluster games against the Columbus Blue Jackets. On October 22, the Blue Jackets pounded the Leafs 6-2 in what was one of the Leafs worst efforts this season. Dennis Hildeby was the unfortunate recipient of a poor effort by the Leafs blue line, surrendering six goals.
Then, the Leafs suffered a 5-1 shellacking on January 22. The game was punctuated by Ryan Reaves’ failed attempt to spark the Leafs with a fight in the opening minutes of the game. The fight did not accomplish much, as the Blue Jackets cruised to victory.
All of that went away on Saturday night. The Leafs played a tough defensive game. They put the clamps down on the Blue Jackets, giving them very few opportunities to get much going offensively.
In particular, Brandon Carlo’s presence has stabilised the Leafs blue line, adding another shutdown defenseman that the team desperately needed. Moreover, Carlo has enabled Morgan Rielly to do his thing. Rielly has now become a more meaningful offensive contributor while playing solid defensively.
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs look to be coming together at the best possible time. Regardless of who they play in the first round, the Leafs look poised to deliver on what seems to be the last ride for the Core Four.