NHL Power Rankings: Bruins climb as the Golden Knights fall

9. Toronto Maple Leafs (+1)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently doing something historic. They have won their last 12 home games. Their last home loss was in January to the Colorado Avalanche. Since then, Auston Matthews has been injured and still out of the lineup with an upper-body injury. He is reportedly nearing a return and that will be a major boost to their lineup. Getting Matthews back before the playoffs will be important. Giving him a chance to shake off some of the rust and take some contact before the physical demands of the playoffs is a key. In Matthews’ absence, the Leafs have done well to maintain their position in the standings.

The Maple Leafs were able to sweep the week and push their winning streak to four games. They beat the Dallas Stars in a shootout before beating the Buffalo Sabres. Then, on Saturday, they were able to shut out the Montreal Canadiens on home ice. The schedule this week will not be as friendly. They visit the Tampa Bay Lightning before heading up to Nashville to play the Predators. After the tough two-game road trip, Toronto will head home to take on the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs are likely locked into the third spot of the Atlantic division and they will face either the Boston Bruins or Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.