Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs catching fire at the right time
March 31, 2017, 9:31 AM ET [455 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
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It’s usually mid-April when the trees begin to start their yearly process of sprouting. This bursting of buds is the result of a process that has be designed by nature over tens of thousands of years. It all depends on a number of factors that occur throughout that specific year and a variation of effects can factor in and change the timing of trees’ buds bursting in the spring.

This Maple Leafs team is no different.

We saw it in game one. Matthews buries four, and the Leafs still manage to lose the game. It happens, it was all part of the learning curve that the Leafs were going to have to battle through to become the team that they are today.

Think about all those blown leads in the third period. Think about the strides this team has made throughout the season. How about the impact the rookies have made, the influx of Babcock in year two and the all-mighty addition of Frederik Andersen. Everything the Leafs have done this season has exceeded expectations in every which way.

Congratulations to Mitch Marner on his 41st assist this season and breaking the franchise rookie record for most apples in a season. Now you know why I like to call him “the orchard”. Mitch Marner, what an offensive dynamo!

Again last night the Leafs power play was electric as they scored two goals on the power-play and continue to dominate in the special teams department. It really has been a huge part of their success and without question will be for years to come. The joy of having such a young crop of players really tickles my fancy going forward. I love this Maple Leafs team, they are so exciting to watch; playoffs are not only in reach, but the boys just may have heated up at the right time and could possibly jump Ottawa for that second spot in the division. Could you imagine home ice advantage versus the Senators in round one? It could happen, but they boys still have 6 very important games left and they are not in quite yet.

Could Matthews have picked a better time to heat up? He’s burying on command right now and really solidifying himself as the front runner for rookie of the year.

It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see the Leafs make the playoffs, Matthews win the Calder, Babcock with the Jack Adams and knowing it’s not just a dream…well, that’s dreamy! It’s a glorious day to be a Maple Leafs fan.

The boys will have their work cut out for them. They finished strong in March but will have a very heavy schedule down the final stretch as April is a busy one.

Toronto plays there next game against the Red Wings on Saturday, then are right back at it Monday versus the Sabres. They then have a back to back game against the Capitals on the Tuesday and will have a night off then will face off against the Lightning in a pivotal game. Then of course we would finish the season with yet another back to back against the Penguins and Blue Jackets.

This is why winning those last few games was so huge for Toronto. Hopefully the Leafs can take four points against the Wings/Sabres and relieve some pressure.

What a season this has been! It’s not over yet!

Thanks for reading, have a great weekend.