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The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for the final stretch of the 2023-24 regular season, with 18 games remaining. Currently sitting in the third spot in the Atlantic Division with 82 points, they are virtually guaranteed a playoff berth for an NHL-leading eighth consecutive season.

With the Tampa Bay Lightning trailing behind at 74 points, the Maple Leafs have a comfortable cushion.

If they maintain their position, the Leafs will face either the Boston Bruins or Florida Panthers in the playoffs. One of these teams will secure second place, while the other will take first and face a wild card team.

As they approach the critical final stretch, the Leafs must maintain momentum and finish strong. Key factors include consistent production from their top-six forwards, increased secondary scoring, and solid goaltending.

Led by NHL goal leader Auston Matthews, the Leafs boast one of the league’s best top-six groups, with significant contributions expected from high-paid players. William Nylander, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly round out the top point producers.

In addition to their top stars, secondary scorers like Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi have shown promise, but others like Matthew Knies and Calle Jarnkrok need to step up.

The acquisitions of defensemen Ilya Lyubushkin and Joel Edmundson bring size and physicality to the Leafs’ blue line, enhancing their ability to compete in the playoffs.

In goal, Ilya Samsonov has improved significantly in the second half of the season and is likely to start in the postseason. Despite some ups and downs, his recent performance has been promising, bolstering the Leafs’ chances of success.

As they prepare for the playoffs, the Leafs are focused on optimizing their lineup and ensuring that key players are in peak form for the challenges ahead.