The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed towards the end of another NHL season in a strong position, likely on track to secure a playoff spot for the eighth consecutive year. While they haven’t clinched it officially yet, it’s a remarkable achievement that fans should appreciate. Despite their prolonged championship drought, the team is currently in a golden era with a talented roster and a reputation as legitimate contenders. Even though they might not make a deep postseason run, the Leafs are expected to reach 100 points for the fifth time with their current core group of players. This season has seen twists and turns, keeping the team relevant and exciting to watch. Additionally, the Leafs have shown resilience and grit, attributes not traditionally associated with them. Players like Mark Giordano and Tyler Bertuzzi have demonstrated these qualities, bouncing back from setbacks and contributing significantly to the team’s success. Bertuzzi’s resurgence, in particular, is well-timed as the playoffs approach.
Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit were not initially seen as key players for the Leafs at the beginning of the season, as they were not in the lineup on opening night. McMann began the season with the Toronto Marlies, while Benoit was low on the depth chart for defense.
However, both players seized their opportunities when injuries and poor performances opened up spots for them. McMann has proven himself as a valuable part of the forward lines, scoring 14 goals in just 48 games after going undrafted and working his way up through the minors.
Benoit, who has played in 54 games, has been a physical presence on the ice and has shown his defensive capabilities, especially when injuries plagued the Leafs defense. While the recent additions of Lyubushkin and Edmundson have occasionally moved Benoit out of the lineup, he made a strong return with a solid defensive effort against the Capitals.
