Blog Playoff Edition #3: Leafs fans should rejoice, while Habs fans should be worried..

Over the weekend, both the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Montreal Canadians were eliminated in 6 games. However, one team definitely came out as the victor, and that would be the Toronto Maple Leafs.

No one gave the Leafs any chance against the Capitals, and look what they did! They had the Capitals on their heals at many times during the series. All 6 of their games were 1 goal games, while 5 of those games went to OT. So the Leafs could of easily won the series. The biggest bonus that the Leafs got from this series, is experience. They know now that they can compete with the NHL elite teams. Also they have a trio of NHL stars that will give teams fit. With an additional year of experience just imagine what Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander can do? Also, Frederik Andersen played well, so they have their netminder locked down. It is the defense that needs some work, and that is their glaring problem. After Morgan Reilly and Jake Gardiner their defense is fairly weak. Zaitsev is solid, but they could loose him to the KHL. So they Leafs should invest in picking up a top 4 defenseman during the off season.

For Montreal, it is a different story. Their fans are upset, as well they should be. Montreal finished first in the Atlantic, and were the favorites to beat the Rangers. The Habs took a 2-1 series lead, and then couldn't hold onto a lead, and couldn't finish. Max Pacioretty had 28 shots on goal, but couldn't find the back of the net. Radulov was over taxed, and the Rangers found the Habs weakness. That being:

1) The Habs are a 1 line team

2) The Habs don't have a true Number 1 center

Those right there are two glaring issues. Oh. that and they have a captain that doesn't come through when he is needed. Ohh and a defense that is old and slow... Montreal's has big time problems that they need to address over the offseason. Also I like Alex Galchenyuk alot, I think the Habs need to trade him. 30+ goal scorers should not be playing on the third/fourth line. That shows me that he is in the managements dog house. Also, give Charles Hudon and Mikhail Sergachev a chance to play. They might struggle through the year, but stick with them. Also let Las Vegas snatch up Tomas Plekanec, so that Montreal can throw money at Leon Draisaitl. (Who will be an RFA at the end of the season)

Now, will the Habs make the necessary moves... Who knows, but the direction that Bergevin is leading this team is flawed. So if this trend continues, expect another let down by the Habs next year.