The Eastern Conference wild card race is heating up, leaving many wondering who the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ first-round opponent in the playoffs could be this season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup with major implications for the Eastern Conference standings. Both teams are coming into this game looking to make a statement.

The statistic we typically use to measure a team’s good fortune is called PDO, which some refer to as “percentage-driven outcome.” The Leafs PDO at even strength so far this season sits at 1.02, fifth highest in the league and just under the upper bounds of what is considered sustainable over a full season.

Goalie: Belfour's stint with the Maple Leafs was impactful even though it lasted just three seasons (2002-03 to 2005-06). He had 17 shutouts, most of any Toronto goalie in the quarter century. He's also second in wins since 2000 with 93, trailing only Frederik Andersen (149), who played 98 more games.

While all teams play 82 games every year, not all regular seasons are created equal, as the Maple Leafs were unjustly given a more difficult schedule than most.

First place in the Atlantic Division at the midway point. The Maple Leafs are in an enviable spot through 41 games in the 2024-25 regular season. Top to bottom, starting with the work that general manager Brad Treliving did last summer up to the overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday night,

President's Trophy Winner, Toronto Maple Leafs +1200. The oddsmakers don't seem to believe so, setting the current line at Even for Toronto to wrap up the season leading the Atlan

NHL action continues on Thursday night with a big slate of games, including a few intriguing matchups like the showdown between the Carolina Hurricanes and Toro

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.