GDT: for one last time in the regular season

This team is really good. Let’s not be scared to say it.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Winnipeg Jets - 8 PM on TSN 3 and 4

The Preview:

It’s not said enough just how good this Leafs team is. A lot of other teams know it, but we don’t give our own team enough credit as Leafs fans. There’s always that caveat about blowing leads or playoff series wins or whatever, but none of that applies to this season’s team.

They blew two, maybe three, leads all season and always followed it up by smashing the opposition the next time around. The defense is as solid as you could want it, while the offense genuinely gives the team the best one-two punch in the league. Boston, or Colorado, or Tampa or Pittsburgh might have a first line that can challenge Matthews and Marner, but Tavares and Nylander have been beyond excellent and no one’s second line quite makes that mark.

All of that together has turned a team that used to have to pick between being a shots dominating team or an xG dominating team, now they’re elite both. The power play is farting air, but they’ve had incredible runs when they’ve given Nylander more to do. It’s a fixable problem, not a detrimental flaw for the team.

Every year, flaws have gotten checked off the team’s list. Quality defense, check. Depth offense, check. Top line maturity, time=check. Believe in this team, they’re not as Leafy as you think.

Some Pre-Game Reading from a Not-Good Leafs Blog:

Enjoy the game, and Go Leafs Go!