HENDRICK: PRESSURE IS ON LEAFS
By Olivia Lawrence
RP Show Intern
Looking back at last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs looked promising heading into the playoffs as the winners of the newly-formed North Division (which included six other Canadian teams). This was the first time the Leafs had won their division since 2000 and there was high anticipation for the postseason. The hearts of Leafs fans were quickly broken however after the team lost the opening series of the postseason to the Montreal Canadiens—eliminating the Leafs from the playoffs
Rod Pedersen described the Leafs as “disinterested” in that game seven loss against Montreal. Paul Hendrick, long-time Leafs reporter, could not agree more. Rod and Hendrick discussed the team on Tuesday’s show with Hendrick feeling confident the Leafs will redeem themselves this season despite what happened in the spring.
“What happened last season Rod has not been swept under the carpet,” said Hendrick. “It is a big pile on top of the carpet, and it is up to the Leafs over the course of this season and next spring to sweep it away.”
Let’s hope that they do because Leaf’s fans and the hockey club are expecting the team to make the playoffs this year and win at least one playoff round. It will not be an easy job however, with Hendrick believing the Leafs Atlantic Division is the toughest division in the league.
“I don’t think there is any doubt that it’s Tampa’s division to lose, the other team is Florida,” said Hendrick. “Ottawa is up-incoming but they are still young in their development and Buffalo isn’t even close. The Boston Bruins are going to be a tough hockey club, although their window is narrowing. I think there is a chance here for Toronto to learn from previous disappointments and compete with Boston on a long-term basis, and perhaps even edge them in for that second spot.”
There is still uncertainty amongst some Leafs fans in spite of Hendricks’ belief. Right winger Mitchell Marner and center and alternate captain Auston Matthews, have been getting a lot of criticism in the postseason for their playoff performance. Hendrick believes however, that both players and the Leafs’ core group of guys have what it takes to be a Stanley Cup team.
“You have to stick with what you got,” said Hendrick. “Yes Toronto hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967 but that is not on Mitch or Austin. What they have been able to do in the last few years and what they’re capable of doing next spring is on them and I think they are going to be up to it. In fact, I know they are going to be up for it.”
The Leafs will return and take on the same team who caused last year’s upset—The Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs season opener will be at home in Toronto on Oct. 13. NHL fans will have to stay tuned to see if the Leafs can make a resurgence.
