Until the Leafs really commit to the defensive game as a whole (so for example, playing like they did for the month of February when we were like 10-0-1 something crazy for points). on a more consistent basis, we're never going to get the credit we deserve.
I'm not going to diminish Ottawa. they are a very good team. I said during the pre-season, that the Atlantic is/will be the hardest division in the NHL (which makes sense, because the North East, when every team is clicking, was one of the hardest for ever).
I think the fact that we've not even really played at our full potential yet, should be scaring a lot of teams. when every team is clicking, I truly believe that the Leafs are #3 (I will give Detroit the credit they are due). then Boston, then us. Because again, if you just break it down - Boston's game is OUR game. the cycle set up, the total shut down collapse style on the PK. but our ace in the hole is our speed.
so I don't know who - unless a team totally craps out (not us), it will not surprise me if the final standings is as very close as it was last year.
Montreal (2nd)
Boston (4th)
Leafs (5th)
Sens (6th)
Wings (7th)
sens won one more game than the wings (they were tied for points or something), we had 1 point up on the sens, and we were about, 3/4 points back from Boston/Montreal respectively.
as our end game is almost always regulation wins/loss or a shootout loss - it is critical that we either end it in regulation (with us winning), or gaining more loss points (or better, winning the extra point). Montreal/Ottawa were challenging us all year not because of their play was better (we had the third best record for regulation wins, Chicago/Pittsburgh 1-2), but Montreal/Ottawa kept getting the extra point. (Boston as well).
twill be interesting i'll tell you that.