Will the Leafs manage to prepare for a rewarding playoff run with the injuries they may face and with the new COVID-19 protocols?
Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images | 2021
With the NHL trade deadline right around the corner, many rosters have come into question. The Leafs, on the other hand, are unlike the rest; they show no interest in any blockbuster trades by having already made moves in the offseason to solidify their defence. It's clear what the Leafs want to achieve this season and it's certainly not a small matter. The postseason brings many outcomes, leaving Leafs fans to conjecture their playoff hopes. With the Leafs at the top of the North Division, 6 points ahead of the Jets as of April 7th, the playoffs are at the top of discussion for the Leafs.
As of the morning of April 8th, 2021, the Toronto Maple Leafs are sitting atop the NHL’s North Division with 55 points, a 27-10-3 record, and a goal differential of +33 (NHL Standings). With the 2021 playoffs format having all four of the top teams in each division qualifying for the playoffs, the odds of the Leafs missing out are irrelevant, being 22 points ahead of the fifth-place Canucks (NHL Standings). Looking at the standings, the Leafs will most likely face the Canadiens in the first round, who sit in fourth place behind the Jets and Oilers.
However, the postseason could bring on some bad news for Leafs fans. Auston Matthews, the league leader in goals (NHL Stats) and a vital part of the Leafs lineup, has been fighting a lingering wrist injury since last season. In February, the star reaggravated that injury and only put up 3 goals over 9 games (games spanning from late february to mid-March) with all of those goals coming from up close (Mark Masters via TSN). On March 18th, Matthews stated in an interview that “it’s been nice to reset” and that “this little break (a weak schedule and three day breaks between games) has helped me heal”(Mark Masters via TSN). However, Leafs fans know that even a minor hit to Matthews’s wrist could spell disaster for the rest of the season. On top of his contribution in goals, Matthews also boasts a league-leading 9 game-winning goals (NHL Stats) and a league-leading 18.2 shooting percentage among players who have taken 100+ shots (NHL Stats). The Leafs will evidently be in trouble if he is out for the playoffs, as he makes a large impact on the ice.
However, Leafs’ troubles don’t end there. Starting goalkeeper, Frederik Andersen, has been out since March 18th, with a day-to-day lower-body injury with no timetable. Andersen also sat out during Wednesday practice, for which Coach Sheldon Keefe said the following: “He had another follow up but I haven’t gotten the update yet” (Kristen Shilton via Twitter). Fortunately, Andersen’s injury has brought the spotlight upon Jack Campbell, the Leafs’ substitute netminder, who is 10-0 after Toronto’s 3-2 win on April 7th (Yahoo Sports). Campbell set a new Leafs record for most wins in a row from the start of the season. Throughout those ten games, Campbell boasted 2 shutouts and a .944 SV% (NHL Stats), which is the fourth-highest in the league for goalies with a minimum of 4 games played. Nevertheless, if Andersen doesn’t return to the team before the playoffs, the Leafs may face a grand obstacle in the goaltending situation if any more injuries do appear.
Lastly, a key aspect to be aware of this season is COVID-19. It has placed heavy restrictions on players and teams, and we’ve seen it take its toll on teams from having games postponed and key players out. It's important to be at full strength during the playoffs, as every player's impact on the team is needed. Additionally, team chemistry building has been limited because there are fewer team practices. Recently, 25 team members (players and coaching staff) of the Vancouver Canucks tested positive for COVID (The Globe and Mail). The mountainous impact the virus will have on the Canucks is self-explanatory, and is certainly the last thing the Leafs would need on their minds. With the playoffs approaching, coaches and leaders of the Toronto Maple Leafs should stress the idea of staying home and staying safe so that they can be at full strength throughout the playoffs.
With the regular season coming to an end in less then a month, some teams are scrambling to make the playoffs, while others are bunkering up and getting ready for deep runs into the postseason. With many NHL stars resting-off injuries, no one knows exactly how these 2021 playoffs will turn out, not even the commissioner knows what conditions the playoffs may take place under. The Leafs should certainly take in all possibilities and be ready for anything if they want to bring home The Stanley Cup. In a season like no other, you can never be too prepared.
References
NHL. 2021. Statistics. [online] Available at: <http://www.nhl.com/stats/> [Accessed 9 April 2021].
NHL.com. 2021. NHL Hockey Standings. [online] Available at: <https://www.nhl.com/standings/2020/division> [Accessed 9 April 2021].
Sports.yahoo.com. 2021. Jack Campbell sets record for most consecutive wins by Maple Leafs goaltender. [online] Available at: <https://sports.yahoo.com/jack-campbell-sets-record-for-most-consecutive-wins-by-maple-leafs-goaltender-020731154.html> [Accessed 9 April 2021].
The Globe and Mail. 2021. Vancouver Canucks say 25 players, staff test positive for COVID-19 in outbreak involving virus variant. [online] Available at: <https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-vancouver-canucks-say-25-players-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19-in/> [Accessed 9 April 2021].
TSN. 2021. Mark Masters: Auston Matthews aims to snap scoring slump as rest benefits wrist injury - TSN.ca. [online] Available at: <https://www.tsn.ca/mark-masters-auston-matthews-aims-to-snap-scoring-slump-as-rest-benefits-wrist-injury-1.1612519> [Accessed 9 April 2021].
Twitter. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://twitter.com/kristen_shilton/status/1379823827258068994> [Accessed 9 April 2021].