So who is the Leaf's MVP this season?
Where would the team be without Matthews? Matthews' injury was devastating, but because the Leafs had such a lead, they still hung onto second place.
Could it be Reilly? The dman has 43 assists and has been the best dman all season. Reilly has carried the defensive core on his back. It is a rare quality for a young man. I would hate to see where this team would be on the defence without him.
The most obvious pick for the MVP vote has to be for the goalie. He has been fantastic all season. He is fundamentally as strong as any goalie in the NHL. He has outstanding rebound control and always knows where the puck is. It does not matter how much offence we have had this season; there are no playoffs without our goalie. Andersen has been our most consistent player day in and day out.
Who do you want to play in the first in the round? Bruins or Bolts? I may be one of the few who would rather play the Bolts. But unfortunately, it is not my choice. We play the Bruins.
The problem we have with playing the Bruins is their physical play. They will try to overrun the Leafs. Can the Maple Leafs stand up for themselves? They are going to have to play the Bruins tough. They cannot let themselves be intimidated. Reilly has to become the leader and set the example.
The Bruins have too much offence if the Leafs make all those turnovers. I am worried about our suspect defence against the Bruins forwards. They are too big and too talented for the Maple Leafs to be the Keystone Cops. Matthews, Marner, and JVR have to come back and help the defence. The forwards have to help in the offensive end. They have to play defence first; if they don't, there is no series.
