Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15 Season Preview
Apr 8, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) and right wing Phil Kessel (81) talk against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
2013-14 RECAP
In a year where the Leafs were coming off of one of the most epic game 7 collapses in NHL playoff history, they repeated the feat once again, this time not waiting until the playoffs, and dropping 10 of their last 12 games and falling from a playoff spot to the outside looking in.
Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov (47) skates against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
CHANGES
IN – Leo Komarov, Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik, David Booth, Matt Frattin, Stephane Robidas, Roman Polak
OUT- Mason Raymond, Nikolai Kulemin, Carl Gunnarsson, Dave Bolland, Jay McClement, Tim Gleason
The Leafs have had a lo of turnover, but the top lines remain pretty much intact with most of the changes coming in the bottom half of the roster. The Leafs added some solid pieces and it is a matter of making them fit together.
Apr 5, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle addresses the media in a post game media conference after a loss to the Winnipeg Jets at the Air Canada Centre. Winnipeg defeated Toronto 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
3 BIG QUESTIONS
1. Is there really a question about who is #1? James Reimer, bless his heart, continues to believe he actually has a shot at being the #1 or even a 1A netminder. As evidenced by the Leafs’ swoon in the absence of Jonathan Bernier at the end of the season, he simply cannot backstop the team to the same level that Bernier can and did last year.
2. Is Komarov a difference maker? – The Leafs seemed to dearly miss Komaraov more than anyone had thought they would when he left for the KHL last season. He was one of the more sought after players this summer and the Leafs paid pretty handsomely to bring him back to Toronto. The Leafs hope he can fill the same role he did before he left.
3. How much rope for Randy? – The “aw, shucks” schtick lasts only so long, and Randy Carlyle will be under the gun right from the start of the season. Anything less than a playoff position will not be acceptable, and if the Leafs fall out of contention early they could make him the first casualty of the season.
Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) guards the net against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 4-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
PREDICTION
Although I am loathe to admit it, the Leafs got deeper and better. Booth is almost always hurt, but Komarov gives them an element they were lacking and Santorelli’s arrival was under the radar, and he solidifies a third line. That top 6 forwards are pretty good led by Phil Kessel, James Van Riemsdyk and Joffrey Lupul, and combined with steadying influences on the blue line from Robidas and Polak and they shouldn’t suffer the same letdown that happened last year. If Bernier is healthy, the Leafs are a playoff team.
4th ATLANTIC DIVISION