NHL Analyst compares Toronto Maple Leafs to iconic Stanley Cup Champion from the 2010s
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be Stanley Cup contenders this season, and recently NHL analyst David Pagnotta came through with a very interesting comparison.
The Maple Leafs have been contenders for years at this point, however, they have yet to get over the hump in the postseason.
However, NHL analyst David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period actually believes this Maple Leafs team is primed for a deep run.
David Pagnotta talks Toronto Maple Leafs
While appearing on Leafs' Morning Take, Pagnotta explained how these Maple Leafs are completely different under Craig Berube.
The analyst makes the argument that Berube has this team functioning under a new mentality that makes them a primed candidate to make a deep run once the playoffs come around.
"Seeing this team on a regular basis and how they're connecting, for me, it's more of the interaction and how they are with the media at times. Forget about the tough losses and whatnot -- obviously emotions are going to kick in -- but even practice days and things like that, just the way they kind of interact with guys like us that have to ask some questions that are not the greatest.
It is a little looser, it is more of a comfortable environment from the looks of things, but that's brought in by some of the personalities [that have come in]. These guys can be loose, but when it's time to get to business, they know how to be professional too, and that's what Berube has instilled in the room from the get-go. You're going to be harder to play against, but you're going to play with a professional mentality, and yes, you can go out there and have fun, but you can do so in a certain way..."
It is a little looser, it is more of a comfortable environment from the looks of things, but that's brought in by some of the personalities [that have come in]. These guys can be loose, but when it's time to get to business, they know how to be professional too, and that's what Berube has instilled in the room from the get-go. You're going to be harder to play against, but you're going to play with a professional mentality, and yes, you can go out there and have fun, but you can do so in a certain way..."
Pagnotta then went on to compare this Maple Leafs team to the Los Angeles Kings of 2012 and 2014.
When those Kings teams went all the way, it was a bit of a surprise, however, those teams are beloved for their approach to the game of hockey.
"It is a little bit different, it is nicer to see when you see those types of environments and locker rooms. Those are usually winning type of mentalities that I've seen over the years with teams like Los Angeles 10-12 years ago when they won in '12 and '14. Similar type of vibe there; go out there and get the job done, go do what you gotta do, but don't take away from what the ultimate prize is mentally and there's a good stability there right now."
If the Maple Leafs really do go on a run like the Los Angeles Kings, then Craig Berube will be seen as a god in the city.
After all, he has already coached one franchise to a Cup. Of course, we are talking about the 2019 St. Louis Blues.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 245 ANSWERS NHL Analyst compares Toronto Maple Leafs to iconic Stanley Cup Champion from the 2010s Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs can actually win a Stanley Cup this season? | ||
| YES | 149 | 60.8 % |
| NO | 96 | 39.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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