"The calendar just flipped to 2026, yet every game for the Toronto Maple Leafs already feels like a playoff game. If you look at the NHL standings right now, the Leafs are currently eighth in the Atlantic Division. However, if they were playing in the Pacific Divisoin they would be in third place, comfortably in a playoff spot. Every team in the Eastern Conference currently holds a winning record, which means that every game feels like a playoff match-up."
"Despite securing points in six straight games, the Leafs still find themselves at the bottom of the division, but with that being said, they're only two points out of fourth place. The division is so tight and one of the key reasons is because there are typical non-playoff teams like Detroit and Buffalo making serious pushes in the division this year."
The Toronto Maple Leafs occupy eighth place in the Atlantic Division but would rank third in the Pacific, illustrating divisional imbalance. Every Eastern Conference team presently holds a winning record, creating a nightly playoff atmosphere. The Leafs have collected points in six straight games yet remain just two points out of fourth place. Detroit and Buffalo, normally non-playoff teams, are mounting significant pushes, contributing to a crowded Atlantic Division. Real parity exists among eight teams, any of which could make the postseason. The NHL breaks for the Olympics on February 3, with Matthews, Nylander and Oliver Ekmann-Larsson attending, offering rest for others. The playoff race may remain undecided until the final weeks.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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