Toronto Maple Leafs Embrace Underdog Role in NHL Playoff Push
As the NHL season resumes following the Olympic break, the Toronto Maple Leafs are positioning themselves as a potential dark horse in the playoff race. The team faces the challenging task of climbing the Eastern Conference wild-card standings, needing to gain at least two points on average over the remaining schedule in February, March, and mid-April.
Team Focuses on Narrow Goals Amidst Adversity
Winger Steven Lorentz emphasized the importance of maintaining a focused approach. "We have a rough idea of how many wins it looks like it'll take to get in, but we can't be looking at the big picture," Lorentz stated. "This reset has been great. It's tough when you have to get all the way up for a game, try and recover, and get right back to work."
The Maple Leafs enter this critical stretch with momentum from three consecutive wins before the break, providing a much-needed boost. However, they must navigate the return of key players Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson from Olympic duties in Milan, integrating them seamlessly with 25 games remaining.
Defensive Improvements Take Center Stage in Practice
Head coach Craig Berube has utilized the break to address defensive weaknesses, particularly the team's league-worst 142 goals against at 5-on-5. "I've been very happy with the last two days," Berube remarked. "Defensive stuff is what we have to work on going forward here. Coming out of the break we have to tighten it up."
Berube acknowledged the limitations of implementing new systems this late in the season but highlighted ongoing refinements. "There's nothing new right now, just try and dial in everything in all three zones the best we can," he explained. "The season is a grind with the tough schedule, the Olympics, back-to-backs, and travel. It's good to get a couple of weeks where they can rejuvenate themselves."
Players Emphasize Mental and Physical Preparation
Defenceman Morgan Rielly underscored the importance of the practice sessions in regaining form. "We have to keep our focus narrow and understand what we've got coming up," Rielly said. "This is an important couple of days to get our feet and our minds going again. We're prepared to hit the ground running. It's a great opportunity for our group to rise to the challenge."
Fourth-line players such as Lorentz and Scott Laughton also benefited from the break, despite their limited ice time. Lorentz noted, "You have to be on top of your game every single night when you're out there trying to check and buzz around. So that rest is really important."
Additionally, the potential return of Dakota Joshua from a lacerated kidney adds depth, as he practiced with Lorentz and Laughton, providing another option for the lineup when games resume late next week.
Spirited Practices Set Tone for Final Stretch
The team's second day at the Ford Centre was marked by intense drills focusing on rushes, coverage, and conditioning, including a rigorous bag skate. These sessions aim to build on the pre-break improvements and address the defensive lapses that have plagued the team.
With the playoff race heating up, the Maple Leafs are determined to leverage their underdog status and recent reset to make a strong push for postseason contention, relying on refined strategies and renewed energy to overcome the challenges ahead.
