Ignore This ... if you're not a Leaf fan

 

Now that the All Star break is out of the way, all NHL teams change gears and race to the finish and hopefully secure a spot in the war that's called the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

A Florida hockey buddy who's a Leaf fan asked ... "what do you think of the chances for this year's Leaf team?"

Don't go any further with this essay if you aren't a Leaf. 

You won't understand.

We don't want to admit to or share our angst with you.

My buddy, had "the look"  when he asked the question. 

It's a "Leaf Look" that's hard to describe ... his face was scrunched. His look was hopeful but far-away, confident but confused. He needed, he desperately needed to have someone, anyone, confirm for him that this year's team is capable of going all the way. Y'know to win the Stanley Cup.

I wish I could help.

1966-67 Stanley Cup Winning Toronto Maple Leafs

My connection to the iconic Gardens and the four 1960s Leaf Cup wins and the 1967 players has been documented ad nauseam in previous essays. And, I have a miserable track record when it comes to picking winners. Also, I'm a bust on Maple Leaf handicapping but, like my bud, I'm a hopeful fan.

Here's my take on the 2023/2024 Leaf team.

Again, stop here if the Leafs don't matter to you.

Think of your top NHL team.

Think of your bottom NHL team.

Imagine watching a game between them. One team is wearing all white jerseys and the other all black jerseys ... no numbers and no names on the back.

How could you tell which team is the better team? Both teams have terrifically talented players ... they all skate at 25 MPH and they all shoot the puck at 90 MPH. Nobody looks out of place.

I think the answer may be found in which team is better at executing the "little things"

who has the fewest turn overs?

who comes out of the corner with the puck?

who can't be moved away from the front of the net?

who can take abuse without demanding a penalty?

who doesn't chirp to annoy the refs and hurt their team?

who can be counted on for the perfect pass?

who knows how to finish around the net?

who can take a hit without retaliating?

(did I miss any?)

Maybe the team with the most "little things" gets to hoist the Cup when the war's over. If you need more time to think about my theory, consider the '67 Leafs in the photo above. They had only 2 players on their roster who scored 20 or more goals that season (Ellis/22 & Pappin/21) and they had 10 players who were 30+ years old. This 1966-67 Stanley Cup winning Original Six team of players understood the importance of the "little things" and executed them to perfection.

But, with today's Leafs, there may be something else to consider ... the elephant in the room. Collectively, four players on this year's team make $45 million. Several other players make about a million, give or take. How does the coach balance the egos on a team with such a huge pay differential? 

"Gio"

Toronto media has been critical of the Leaf defence corps since the beginning of the season. Personally, I think the Leafs most effective, most reliable defenseman is Mark Giordano. The Toronto born veteran who has the best +/- for defencemen  makes $800,000 -vs- the team's #1 D-guy, Morgan Rielly who makes $5.6 million. I can only imagine that difference doesn't sit well for the former Calgary and Seattle team captain. Incidentally, we know he's a master at shot blocking and proves it every time he plays. When was the last time you saw Rielly block a shot?

Ya. The "little things".

Maybe Leaf potential success it's as simple as that.

  

T Michael Travers