Ninth Time the Charm for Leafs?

Just a few moments after the Carolina Hurricanes locked in a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs did just that as well. Similar to the Canes, the Leafs had a simple scenario: just get one point. The Leafs were in a vital game against the Florida Panthers; vital because of where both teams are in the Atlantic Division. The Panthers scored first, but John Tavares tied it up, and Mitch Marner gave Toronto the lead in the 3rd. Seriously, they better pay Marner. Matthew Knies made it 3-1, and it looked good until Florida cut Toronto's lead in half. Even so, one point would put them in, but the Leafs wanted two on the spot, and while it wasn't easy, the Leafs got the job done in regulation.

So the Maple Leafs are back in the playoffs, and here comes the conversation. What will they do? How will they fare? For the Leafs, this is their ninth straight playoff appearance. Ninth. With the Boston Bruins set to be eliminated, the Leafs are now the sole holders of the longest active playoff streak in the NHL. Nine straight years, every year that Auston Matthews has been in the league with the team. The funny thing is that when they first reached the playoffs back in the 2016-17 season, it was a happy accident. They were way ahead of schedule, and when they were defeated in Round 1 by the Washington Capitals, it was seen as a big success and the stepping stone for bigger things.

And then they kept losing in Round 1. Usually to Boston.

2018 and 2019 were damning, and then the 2020 bubble saw them ousted in the Qualifying Round by the Columbus Blue Jackets. 2021 was their best chance; finishing first in that North Division, receiving so much praise and belief that they could get it done, especially against a Montreal Canadiens team that was sputtering. Yet Toronto loses after leading 3-1. The Leafs were very close against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022, but in the following year, they finally advance to Round 2. That had many believing they could do it again, but unfortunately, Boston served as their bogeyman yet again.

So yeah, one playoff series win in over 20 years, and not a lot to convince others that this year will be different. However, I am not the others. This isn't like the other teams. The Leafs are in first place with barely over two weeks left in the season. If you have to be one of those people who doesn't count either of the two COVID-affected seasons, the Leafs haven't won a division title in a full, "normal" season since 2000. Even wilder, the Leafs have won quite a few games with Auston Matthews sidelined. So who's been picking up the slack for the Leafs?

I have three words for you, Leafs fans: pay the man. Mitch Marner has been the talk of the NHL because he is on his last year of his current deal, and it's decision time for the Leafs. Regardless of how this season will end, the Leafs have to make a choice, either pay him or deal him after the season before he officially becomes a UFA. I still say Marner's worth whatever money it takes to keep him. He's been the leader for the Leafs this year, racking up 93 points (24 G/69 A) so far this season. Marner's on his way to 100 points this year, and he'll definitely rack up the good numbers come playoff time.

The Leafs will cross that bridge when they get to it, but right now, the focus is on winning the Atlantic Division, and then turning that division crown into a long playoff run. Toronto hasn't seen the Conference Finals since 2002, and of course, we know about the other drought. We will see if the Leafs can get things done in their ninth straight playoff appearance.