Joined: Jul. 2019
Posts: 640
Likes: 162
It might be the best thing for the franchise to not make the playoffs. I say this cause when Shanahan took over he stated there was a five plan to make the franchise a cup contender. It seems like the Leafs were finally going to do it right. Cleaning up the front office, and install great hockey minds with the reputation of success. Gutting the team and building from the draft.
However the plan got sidetracked in the second year (Matthews’s rookie season) when the Leafs made the playoffs and threw a scare into the Capitals, bowing out in 6 games. All of a sudden, the expectations skyrocketed. The Leafs had lost to the Capitals, did nothing in advancing in the postseason, and yet, everybody believed this club was destined the win the cup. As I see it, the Leafs haven’t won a playoff round, probably the hardest thing to do, and haven’t earn that rite to be thought of as a cup contender.
In the regular season, a player can have record stats, a team can post record team stats, but it does not mean a thing come the playoffs. What wins championships are the 20 guys focused on being the best and the willingness to do whatever it must take: block a shots, win a loose puck battles, offer puck support (puck management) not taking a selfish penalty, make a great saves, scoring at an opportune time.
Since 2007-08, Only Detroit and Chicago, have won the President and then won the Stanley Cup. The last time a player won the Art Ross and Stanley Cup was 2004 (Martin St.Louis).
Regular season league ranking of the Stanley Cup Champs.
2019 St.Louis 10th Seed, 2018 Washington 7th seed, 2017 Pittsburgh 2nd seed, 2016 Pittsburgh 4th seed, 2015 Chicago 7th seed, 2014 Los Angeles 9th
It is the fear of losing which makes teams win championships. It is the lessons (heartbreaks) of losing which helps define greatness. It happen with the Oilers 1982. Upset by the Los Angeles, and two years later on the way to their 1st championship, being force to win a game 7 against their rival Calgary Flames. It happen to the Red Wings. Two first round game 7 exits in 93 & 94. The same can be held true with the Penguins this past decade. Three first round exits in 2011, ‘12 & ‘15.
I think the Leafs are too talented to miss the playoffs.