The regular-season division title is a goal we’ve discussed for years in this space, and it has always been met with mixed responses, from “Who cares, just win in the playoffs!” to “They won the Canadian division and blew it!” But the benefits are crystal clear.
Finish second, and the first-round matchup is against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions who have been to back-to-back finals, been a thorn in the Leafs’ side for years, and have been resting all players for a month to prepare for the playoffs.
Win the Atlantic, and the first-round matchup is against an inexperienced Senators team that shouldn’t be underestimated but doesn’t exactly possess the pedigree of the Panthers.