Taking issue with Brad Marchand’s thoughts on Maple Leafs

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Brad Marchand thinks some of us should update our resumes.

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The Florida Panthers forward, one of the few National Hockey League players who consistently has no problem speaking his mind, took aim Monday at those who doubt the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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“If people don't think they have a playoff spot this season, they need to find a new job,” Marchand told reporters in Florida after practice, chuckling as he did so.

“What do we have, 25 games? If you think your playoff dreams are over in 25 games, you're in big trouble. I know the room doesn't think so.”

“Given the media attention and fan support in Toronto, the situation there is becoming disproportionate. What is it, four points from a playoff spot?”

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Yes, Brad, despite Sunday's NHL action, the Leafs were four points behind the Montreal Canadiens for third place in the Atlantic Division and four points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place in the Eastern Conference.

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The Leafs and Panthers will square off Tuesday night in Sunrise, Florida, for the first time since then. Florida beat Toronto in seven games in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring.

Marchand is right: on paper the gap is small.

The task of moving up in the standings is tougher because the Leafs need to beat six teams to make the playoffs. They have won two of their last three games and remain just one point ahead of the Buffalo Sabers, who were in last place in the East with 24 points before hosting the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night.

More evidence needed

With all due respect to Marchand, we need to do more to convince the Leafs through their play that they are capable of coming back and contending for a postseason spot. Playing smart hockey with any consistency proved too slippery for the Leafs to grasp the momentum.

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The Panthers aren't much better than the Leafs. Like Toronto, Florida scored 25 points despite playing one fewer game.

And unlike the Leafs, they have the experience of reigning two-time Cup champions to lean on. The Leafs have nothing comparable.

It was in no way predicted at the start of the season that the Leafs and Panthers would be battling each other to stay out of the East basement when the calendar turned to December.

“I think there are two ways to look at it,” Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad told the media Monday. “We're not worried about it because we feel like we can change things at any point, (but) it should worry us a little bit to give us some juice to bring into the games soon.

“I think being concerned and not worried at the same time is a good way to approach it. Get to our mojo – we know we have it.”

More to come…

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