Oh Canada

CHICAGO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs are considered Stanley Cup contenders by analysts and fans because of their offseason of change. NHL players also are convinced about their credentials.

"If you see young and hungry, I think it's Toronto," said Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward who has won the Stanley Cup three times.

Several players at the NHL Player Media Tour picked the Maple Leafs as one of the teams who should be considered a favorite to win the Stanley Cup this season.

"I like watching Matthews. So big and physical and just so naturally gifted, his hands and shot," said Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, a three-time Cup winner. "Really fun to watch, especially up close and personal when I've skated with him. It's pretty impressive."

Kane listed the Maple Leafs among his favorites to win the Cup, as did Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin.

"It's a tough one, but I think with the moves, I think Toronto has a really good chance this year," said Slavin, who has not won the Cup. "I think it's a trend. I think they have a pretty solid [defense] corps, but with the pickup of Tavares, [William] Nylander and Matthews maturing more, I just think they're going to be a dangerous team this year."

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin, who was born in Brampton, Ontario, about 25 miles west of Toronto, also said the Maple Leafs could be a major challenger for its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

"There's such a big buzz about them right now," said Seguin, who won the Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.

 

The more noise the better. The more pressure the better. What could go wrong?

 

I understand the improvements Toronto has made... ive also seen high-powered offenses get shut down in the playoffs by superior defenses. Im not here to shit on the Maple Leafs parade, but there are a handful of teams that will also be contending at this point of the season which hasn't even started yet.

I like Toronto's chances, but I still think they have a team that is going to give up a ton of SOG, something they are notorious for lately/recently.

Anyway, the Leafs are a great team and I wish the best for you Skinny and the Leafs, but its going to be a dog-fight this year as, in my opinion, there are a lot of formidable contenders.

*Red Wings are not one tho, lol.

 

Oh definitely Will. Leafs are in a group of teams that have a legitimate shot. Difference is that the Leafs are the only team in that group that hasn’t won anything yet and the media scrutiny is unlike anywhere else.

 

The media scrutiny is a bit overrated, I think they had a legitimate beef with the way burke ran things.
In no way is there any pressure for them to win the cup this year. It's just the first time in a long time that they're in the converesation. They have three really young and talented up and coming players. Combined with a big free agent signing that signifies a big trend to the positive. Some players are saying, "hey, look out for that big blue wave" lol

 

Skinny you yourself just posted an article stating that they are the Cup favorites. How is there no pressure?

 

They're one of the cup favorites, this is according to some big name players. This doesn't mean that if they don't win it, there'll be a big letdown in the city.

Skinny won't be jumping off the highest buiding.lol

 

Btw, I haven't read anything from a toronto sportswriter that says, "they better win the cup ot else."

 

I don’t recall that phrase being mentioned by anyone here ever.
In fact, the only article on this forum mentioning any team being a Cup favorite is the Leafs and posted by you.

 

Yes, if I post an article, it doesn't represent my opinion 100%. It all depends how you interpret it.
An article that says the leafs are cup contenders in my interpretation is that they're one of six teams that could win it.

I would be disappointed if they get knocked out in the first round again. If they lose in the conference finals, I'll take that as a postive step going forward.
If JT is out for the playoffs, they'll be in worse shape than last year.

 

why post it then? and if it doesnt represent your opinion how would anyone know that?

 

It's just reading material, it's what some players around the league are saying.

 

i understand that but you didnt answer either of my questions.

 

I posted it because it's an article that's related to the thread. It's basically saying what players are talking about.

Do we have to explain why we post an article from now on? Lol

The article actually speaks volumes about the way teams are taking the leafs seriously this year, and it's a good thing to know.

 

unlinked copy/paste articles that you post and then backtrack from are B.S.
same goes for anyone.

 

Unlinked? it's nhl.com.

I'm not backtracking from anything, I posted an article of what players around the league are saying.

Something in that article must be offending you, not sure.

 

It may very well be from NHL.com but if there’s no link = unlinked.

The article doesn’t offend me in the slightest. It’s the most vanilla article possible...... just happens to be calling your Leafs the favs. I take exception to you denying that this adds any pressure to the team or that it’s youre opinion.

I gotta say I don’t really care, just calling out the obvious.

 

It doesn't add an ounce of pressure, vanilla is a good choice at times.

 

Hands up! Who thinks the Leafs are winning it all? Not seeing any hands. Ok. Penz it is!