Three reasons why the Leafs could win it all — and three things that could get in the way
TORONTO — You can believe, or you can wait and see. For Toronto Maple Leafs fans, on the eve of what promises to be the first National Hockey League season with realistic Stanley Cup aspirations since 2004, there are reasons to be extremely optimistic about the team’s chances of delivering its first Cup since 1967. And there are reasons to think it could all be just hype. Here’s how we see it ahead of Wednesday’s opener against the Montreal Canadiens:
Plan the parade route
John Tavares
He’s the one player who has the power to push the Leafs beyond their first-round playoff exits of the past two seasons. Tavares faces the pressure of high expectations after signing for seven years and US$77 million, but his track record suggests he’s primed for the biggest season of his career. The match seems right. Tavares is a true difference maker.
Extra special teams
Toronto is poised to improve on its No. 2-ranked power play (25 per cent) and 10th-ranked penalty kill (with the addition of Mitch Marner to that unit). Toronto wants to attack from every angle of the game. That could make them unique and dangerous this season.
Babcock
Leafs coach Mike Babcock’s name usually surfaces in preseason stories about NHL coaches and players under big pressure. That’s accurate, but Babcock loves challenges and is usually way out in front of them. He’s the ideal coach to maximize a potent lineup loaded with speed, scoring touch and leadership.
Not so fast
Goaltending
The Leafs can’t let Freddie Andersen face the number of shots he did last season — 2,211, tops in the league — and expect him to not be run down when the post-season arrives. A key development was the decision by GM Kyle Dubas to go with Garret Sparks as the backup; Curtis McElhinney, last year’s No. 2, and Calvin Pickard were put on waivers and claimed by Carolina and Philadelphia, respectively, depleting the Leafs’ depth in goal. There’s potential for secondguessing as Sparks, the reigning American Hockey League goalie of the year, tries to match McElhinney’s 11-5-1 record and .934 save percentage from last season. No Nylander
The Leafs are still without restricted free-agent forward William Nylander, who has been in a contract impasse since the start of training camp. Even if he signs in the next week or two, he’ll still have a lot of catching up to do. Tyler Ennis was signed in part to provide a veteran alternative in case of a lengthy stalemate.
Defence
The speedy, puck-moving unit is dogged by the same questions that contributed to a first-round exit in the spring. Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner could have career years, but overall there remains uncertainty about the ability of the defence corps.
It will be an ongoing story this season.