Another week in the books! The Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun, the NBA playoff picture is set and soccer season is reaching its peak. We are at the most wonderful time of the year (sorry Christmas!)
Leading things off is the now traditional Leafs vs Bruins series. Leafs need to show up or they'll be done soon in this series. Not much to say here, it's time for the Leafs to put up. Babcock needs to show he can make adjustments when needed. Muzzin needs to go up to the first line D. Hainsey needs to play less minutes. Lots of things need to change here. Most crucially, Andersen MUST play better.
In other series, everybody has been looking at the Tampa Bay Lightning as the Stanley Cup winners. Truth be told, they are the best team in the league. But because they haven't faced adversity, we don't know how they'll react if things don't go according to plan. If Tampa gets too comfortable, this will work against them. Other teams will prepare for the playoffs and defeat them. Playing 7 games with the same opponent can change things dramatically. I have Columbus beating Tampa first round, even before today's result. Tortorella is a great coach, this is his time of year.
Watch out for the St. Louis Blues! Wouldn't be surprised if they win the Cup for the first time ever. Jordan Binnington is impressive as a goalie. If they get past the reeling Jets, watch out!
In the NBA playoffs, focusing solely on the Raptors, this is their best chance to go far. No LeBron and a different atmosphere. If they don't go far this year, they'll never do it.
When we get to soccer, first leg Champions League battles are about not falling too far behind. As proven last year by Roma, just keep it close and you got a chance for the second leg.
For the leagues, with so few games left it's about positioning your players down the stretch. It's must-win soccer every game. Every game is a must-watch!
More to come in the coming days! Thanks for reading!
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