Talking of the Leafs as being a non-contender is pure idiocy.
Is Tampa not a contender? They have started the season horribly just like the Leafs. They too are full of stars and their D/Goaltending is considered better then ours!!!
The Leafs have 9 new players in their core. The team is taking time to mesh. They have had 3 key players out of the lineup for extended periods of time (Hyman, Dermott, Tavares). They probably have had one of the worst schedules ever to start a season in history. And still sit in 3rd in their division.
By the quarter mark we should have a full lineup and it should have been plenty of time to mesh as a team. At this time come out and throw them under the bus. But right now is way too early. They are playing inconsistent, some players are not playing to their levels. But they are way too skilled as a team to play like this for a full season. Anyone remember where St. Louis was at the start of January last season? Let me remind you, sitting second last in the Western Conference only to go on to win the Stanley Cup last season. That team is way less skilled then the Leafs.
Calm down people. Give it some time. Players will come back, team will mesh, and new additions will be made. This isn't what you will see come March.
Tampa won't be if the keep playing the way they are right now.
that said, I'm less worried about Tampa than the leafs. Yes leafs have had a crappy schedule but they have also had 9 home games so far, Tampa has had 4.
Injuries affect all teams. Tampa started the season without Point. Maroon, Hedman and Cirelli are now out.
Leafs have struggled against better teams
They have wins against Sens, CBJ, Det, Wild,Boston and SJ (who were on back end of a back to back) Sometimes the B2B games help too.
Losses against Mtl X2, Capitals x2, tampa, stL, CBj, boston.
Other than the lone win against Boston they have not beat a team in a playoff spot. They are 3-4 in their division. Plenty of time to right the ship but its time to start. They are 3rd in Division but FLa is 1 point back with 2 games in hand. Mtl and Tampa are 3 back with 3 games in hand. In terms of wildcard CBJ are also 3 back with 3 in hand.