The Leafs showing signs of life; a look at the Buds' record vs playoff/non-playoff teams
There is no question that the Leafs have struggled to start the 2022-2023 season. The Buds had a record of 4-4-2 after their first 10 games, which left much to be desired, especially considering they played many non-playoff teams. They have won the three games they have played since, with impressive wins against the Flyers, Bruins and Hurricanes. While a 7-4-2 record isn't great, some of the best hockey they have played this year has come against good teams, while they seem to struggle against teams who likely won't be making the playoffs.
If you look at the Leafs' record against teams who made the playoffs last year, the Buds boast a 4-1 this season. The wins coming against the Capitals, Stars, Bruins and Hurricanes, with the loss being dealt by the LA Kings. Their record against non-playoff teams is 3-3-2. While there is definitely disappointment that the Leafs aren't winning against teams that they should almost certainly beat, it is good to know that they have done well against teams that they could meet in the playoffs.
In comparison, the Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche have suffered losses to Vegas, Winnipeg, New Jersey, Seattle and Long Island as far as non-playoff teams from last year go. And then there's last year's Presidents Trophy winners, the Florida Panthers, who have lost games to Arizona, Philadelphia and Chicago. So it's not as though the Leafs are the only team struggling against lesser competition.
Even if you discard the playoff teams from last year and look at the current top five teams in the NHL (Golden Knights, Bruins, Devils, Stars, Hurricanes), the Leafs are 3-1, having yet to play the Devils. Obviously, it's early in the season, and a lot can change in the standings, but this is still a positive sign for Toronto.
Hopefully the Leafs can continue their strong play, and that will start Tuesday night when they host the Golden Knights, the current first place team in the NHL. They'll be hungry to avenge their 3-1 loss to Vegas back on October 24th. This time, they'll be on a roll and they'll be on home ice.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 7 | 234 ANSWERS The Leafs showing signs of life; a look at the Buds' record vs playoff/non-playoff teams Will the Leafs win a round in this year's playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 166 | 70.9 % |
| No | 37 | 15.8 % |
| Who knows if they'll even make the playoffs? | 31 | 13.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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