Elliotte Friedman's Take on the Lightning Sparks Concerns for the Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are headed into the playoffs once again, although there is a different feeling this season, with a new identity not only behind the bench but on the ice, it's got fan and everyone excited about the possibilities.

Though there are some concerns about if the team can hang with a team like Florida or Tampa Bay, they've shown they can do it even if it's not the easiest job in the world. But according to Elliotte Friedman, they aren't going to be able to stand up to the Conference's best; specifically Tampa Bay:

It's a bold claim from Friedman given that both Florida and Toronto can give them a run for their money in the Atlantic, meanwhile Washington, New Jersey, and Carolina are all teams who could put up a fight against the Lightning.

Tampa Bay is a very deep and very experienced team no doubt, and they added some pretty solid pieces at the deadline, but they've also dealt with a string of bad games this season too, and have had several lapses including a stretch in March where they gave up 39 goals, going 6-5-1 over their last ten.

Getting out of the Atlantic will be no easy feat, whichever team it is, but then they need to contend with Metropolitan beasts like Washington and New Jersey, so while the first round may be easy, it's a true test for anyone, let along the anointed 'best team in the East.'

Tampa has a fairly easy stretch down the line, facing New York twice, Buffalo twice, and Detroit. It's a pretty good deal considering the Maple Leafs have Florida, Tampa, Carolina, and Ottawa; not necessarily the easiest group of games ahead of them.

But the playoffs are a different beast, and while there certainly are favorites, you definitely can find an upset every now and again.

Perhaps Tampa Bay does have a good shot at a deep playoff run, but so do several other teams.

If they truly want to be crowned best in the Eastern Conference, they're gonna need to make a Stanley Cup appearance first.