5 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs will win Stanley Cup
By Riley Butler
2. Home-Ice Prowess
Anyone who has ever watched a series of playoff hockey knows how important the aspect of home-ice advantage is. The fans, the atmosphere, it may even be a bit of superstition but one thing is usually consistent, teams play better at home in the playoffs.
The Leafs have posted franchise high records for wins this season but what has been even more astounding about the wins is the team’s consistency at home. The Leafs are tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for the second best overall home record this season (29-10-2), behind the Winnipeg Jets (32-7-2).
The Leafs showed consistent play at home throughout the second half off the season too when they broke yet another record by winning 13 games in a row at home for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Combining the consistent play at home with the Leafs exceptional offense and special teams, the Leafs have a good chance to run away at home and put lots of pressure on their opponents to try and win in a hostile environment.
Even though it may not seem like much, something as small as the home-ice advantage can play a significant factor in a playoff series, especially if it pushes toward six and seven games. Teams will take any advantage they can get come playoff’s time so the Leafs will definitely look to continue their consistent play at home.