Authority Athletics started a NHL playoff preview and prediction series last week. Our first installment was our prediction that Justus Annunen takes over as the Colorado Avalanche starting goaltender. Our next prediction involves the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This one will likely anger the many devoted Leafs fans. Our prediction is the Maple Leafs will once again underachieve in the postseason and will be eliminated in the first round.
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The top 7 seeds in the Eastern Conference are pretty much set in stone. Barring something drastic, the Maple Leafs will take on the Florida Panthers in the first round. It should be noted that who will receive home ice advantage in the series is still up for grabs, but that won’t influence our prediction anyways.
In my opinion, the Florida Panthers are simply a better hockey team. They don’t have any weaknesses. Star talent, solid goaltending, depth, you name it and they have it. On the contrary, the Maple Leafs have some serious question marks mostly relating to goaltending and defense. They simply don’t match up to the Panthers.
Could Auston Matthews have an outstanding series and lead the Leafs past the Panthers. Hey, anything is possible! But I don’t think it is likely. In fact, I don’t think the series will be particularly close either. I’m picking the Panthers to win in 5 games while enroute to an eventual Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
How do you think the Maple Leafs will perform in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Comment below!
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