The Eastern Conference wild card race is heating up, leaving many wondering who the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ first-round opponent in the playoffs could be this season. Right now, about seven teams are in the hunt for a wild card spot in the east. However, only two spots are up for grabs between the Atlantic Division and Metropolitan Division. As of Thursday, the two teams that hold the two positions are the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Lightning have 44 points in 38 games and are in good shape. They’ve played far fewer games than most of the league. They are just one point behind the Boston Bruins who are third in the Atlantic and have played five more games than the Bolts. Chances are Tampa Bay will overtake them in the standings, leaving Boston in the wild card race. As for the Blue Jackets, they are in a very vulnerable place with five other teams within three or fewer points of them.
This trend leaves the question of who the Maple Leafs could face in the first round of the playoffs.
Who Could Be the Leafs’ First Date in the Playoffs?
In the last eight years, the Leafs have advanced to the playoffs, but they haven’t faced a wide variety of teams in the first round. Most of the time, it’s been against the Bruins or the Lightning. The story goes that the Maple Leafs struggle to advance past the first round, and it’s true. Only once in the last 20 years have Toronto seen the second round. However, this could be a different year as they are on track to win the division. Aside from the pandemic-affected season, Toronto hasn’t been crowned division champions in 25 years. Therefore, a new first-round matchup could be coming to Scotiabank Arena this season.
The Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the three previously mentioned teams have a legitimate chance at cracking the playoffs. Several teams are in the mix, much more than in previous years. A lot can happen in the second half of this season with at least 35 more games to go for most of these teams.
Assuming the Florida Panthers continue their pace, the Maple Leafs could see the Bruins or Habs again. However, Ottawa is an intriguing and likely option to face Toronto in the first round of the playoffs. This would transform the ‘Battle of Ontario’ and take the rivalry between the two provincial teams to new heights.
Toronto’s Past With These Teams
The Senators and Maple Leafs met in the playoffs before. It was in the 2003-04 playoffs when they last faced off. Toronto got the better of Ottawa in a series that went to seven games. Since then, the two teams’ playoff schedules haven’t matched up, with the Sens missing the postseason for the last seven seasons. Typically, Ottawa gives Toronto a good fight and often comes out on top. The Leafs have a 4-5-0 record against the Sens in the last three seasons. Therefore, a series between the two teams should be a compelling one.
It hasn’t been that long since Toronto faced the Canadiens in the playoffs. The two storied franchises met in the first round of the playoffs that were held in Toronto and Edmonton as part of the COVID-19 restrictions of the 2020-21 season. In a series where the Leafs were supposed to dominate, the Habs got the best of them in seven games. With Toronto having a 3-1 lead, Montreal goaltender Carey Price played incredibly and dragged the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup final. That defeat for Toronto left a mark on the franchise.
As for the Bruins, all fans know that story. Boston has been Toronto’s biggest rival over the last decade, especially when playoff relationships are considered. In all of the last four playoff meetings between these two, Boston has won in seven games. The Maple Leafs would love to finally get their revenge on the B’s, and this year could be the year.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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