Food for thought:
Do y'all think the Leafs don't play every game with full effort, etc, because they're saving it for playoffs? I was just thinking. The human body is so complex. It is really impossible to stay in 'peak' conditions for 82+ games. Especially in hockey where it's so team based, consists of 20 players who all hit their respective peaks at different times.
Thus, Babcock has them playing in a way where they can hit their peak for playoffs and go far. Just been thinking out loud. Especially with how Tampa schooled everyone all season, they were going full effort and full skill every game. Only to get burnt out by playoffs and overmatched by a tight, close-checking Blue Jackets team.
What if Cooper has implemented something similar this season where they're not going as hard in regular season. Set themselves up to be at peak around early March-ish.
Let me know your thoughts.