We are approaching American Thanksgiving, when it is generally agreed that the standings are more or less set and a playoff picture begins to come into focus (still insane to me- seems like maybe 82 games is too much if we are already at that point by 20).
How's your team faring?
Leafs are 1 point behind Tampa Bay for first in the division and they actually beat them in score differential. Bruins are breathing down their necks and also seem to STILL be the team they just can't beat. This race is going to be fun to watch.
Leafs have been so-so at home, which is an improvement because up until recently they were trash at home. And they're dominating on the road. Again, interesting because the strength of the depth down centre is supposed to be that it makes matchups a hell and yet they're more scary when that advantage is taken from them.
They've proven that they can manage without Nylander for a while as long as their top guys step up, but simultaneously look like they desperately need him so they have more scoring depth on the 3rd and 4th lines.
We're supposedly halfway through Mathews' injury and looking like we'll survive it with a positive record (AGAIN. And yet I'm sure if he's injured again next season people will panic AGAIN).
Andersen has been an absolute beast and yet this has me worried. Because Sparks has only had 3 starts and has been awful in two of them. Babcock is understandably hesitant to give him more starts with that record, but I don't think he's going to improve by sitting on the bench for 80% of the games. Hopefully Babs gives Andersen some more nights off once a playoff position is locked.
Still no Nylander and I'm starting to get scared. I trust Dubas, but at the same time, when even the Athletic, the only sports reporters worth listening to anymore, are talking trade potential, I fear we may lose him. God I hope not. This team will be downright lethal with the tag teaming of Mathews/Nylander, Tavares/Marner, and Kapenan/ Kadri. And I'd rather let him sit out the season than undervalue him in a trade and then have to face him for the next 8 yrs.
Marner is still my favourite Leaf. Kid is so much fun to watch and seems to develop chemistry with anyone he's put in a line with. Even gets Tavares to smile.
Morgan Reilly is finally turning heads in the broader hockey community as a bona fide number one D man, and Dermott deserves to be playing more. Literally every player on the Leafs performs better when he's on the ice.
So that's where we stand. You guys?
