NHL · 1 year ago

Predicting the Maple Leafs’ Path to Stanley Cup Glory

Grant White

Host · Writer

Stanley Cup Final - Dallas Stars
Alas, the last domino to be tipped would be the Central Division-winning Dallas Stars. The Stars appear destined for the top spot in the Western Conference, parlaying that into an extended playoff run. But we expect them to come up short of capturing their second title in franchise history.

Led by Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs balanced attack outshines the Stars in one of the highest-scoring finals in NHL history.

As tempting as it may be to back the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup at +1400, the best value lies in backing Matthews to hoist the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. Of course, bettors will have to wait for the playoff matchups to be set before those markets open.

Of course, waiting is a Leafs fan's specialty.

Stanley Cup Betting Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs +1400
Playoff Position - 3rd Seed Atlantic Division
The Toronto Maple Leafs have seemingly been locked into the third seed in the Atlantic Division for most of the year. Unable to keep pace with the top contenders, Toronto will be relegated to playing on the road throughout most of the postseason. As if their postseason journey to Stanley Cup glory wasn't daunting enough, now they'll have to knock off some of the best teams in the league without the advantage of last change or a home-friendly environment.
Opening Round - Boston Bruins
Coincidentally, the Maple Leafs' regular-season finale could be a preview of their opening-round playoff matchup. On Tuesday, the Leafs conclude their schedule with an intra-divisional showdown versus the Florida Panthers. If Toronto vanquished Florida in regulation, these teams will meet as the No. 2 vs. No. 3 seeds in the Atlantic Division bracket. However, we expect the Panthers to secure the victory, forcing the Maple Leafs to exorcise their playoff demons against the Boston Bruins.

Somehow, the Maple Leafs postseason record versus the Bruins is even more pathetic than their Stanley Cup drought. The last time Toronto escaped a playoff round against the B's was way back in 1958-59. That makes it six consecutive playoff series losses to one of their fiercest rivals.

Still, this could be the year it all comes together for the Leafs.
Second Round - Florida Panthers
Unfortunately for Toronto, it doesn't get any easier along the way. Next up on their path to glory would be a showdown against the division-winning Panthers.

The defending Eastern Conference Champions have an impervious track record in the playoffs. Florida has gone 4-2 straight up in playoff series over the past couple of seasons. Losing to the Eastern Conference-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022 before dropping the Stanley Cup Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last year.

Nevertheless, the Maple Leafs have outplayed the Panthers in all three games this season. They may not be so lucky on Tuesday, but Toronto could hang with the Panthers over a seven-game series.
Eastern Conference Final - Carolina Hurricanes
Inevitably, the Maple Leafs' journey to the Stanley Cup Final runs through a Metropolitan Division foe. Although the New York Rangers have a better regular season record, the Carolina Hurricanes have superior analytics that support that they should escape the war of attrition on the other half of the Eastern Conference bracket.

For many years, these teams were neck-in-neck analytically; however, the Canes have separated themselves from the Leafs in 2023-24. Entering the final week of the season with the best-expected goals-for rating in the league, Carolina has cemented itself as a powerhouse.

As good as they've been in the regular season, the Hurricanes have been unable to translate that to postseason success. Consequently, they may lack the pedigree to unseat the Maple Leafs from their Stanley Cup pursuit.
Stanley Cup Final - Dallas Stars
Alas, the last domino to be tipped would be the Central Division-winning Dallas Stars. The Stars appear destined for the top spot in the Western Conference, parlaying that into an extended playoff run. But we expect them to come up short of capturing their second title in franchise history.

Led by Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs balanced attack outshines the Stars in one of the highest-scoring finals in NHL history.

As tempting as it may be to back the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup at +1400, the best value lies in backing Matthews to hoist the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. Of course, bettors will have to wait for the playoff matchups to be set before those markets open.

Of course, waiting is a Leafs fan's specialty.

Stanley Cup Betting Odds: Toronto Maple Leafs +1400
Playoff Position - 3rd Seed Atlantic Division
The Toronto Maple Leafs have seemingly been locked into the third seed in the Atlantic Division for most of the year. Unable to keep pace with the top contenders, Toronto will be relegated to playing on the road throughout most of the postseason. As if their postseason journey to Stanley Cup glory wasn't daunting enough, now they'll have to knock off some of the best teams in the league without the advantage of last change or a home-friendly environment.

Predicting the Maple Leafs’ Path to Stanley Cup Glory

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