Longtime Leafs Critic Stuns Fans With Bold Statement About Toronto's Playoff Hope
Mike Rupp was never a big fan of the Maple Leafs as a player, often trying to stir up some intensity, but this year's team has given him a change of heart.
It's been 12 years since Mike Rupp played in the NHL, and while he was never the biggest offensive threat, he certainly was a big threat regardless. At 6'5, 243 pounds, the towering power forward used his huge frame (and fists) in order to carve out a solid 11-year career as an enforcer.
Long retired, Rupp now makes appearances on podcasts to give his insight and analysis on all things happening in the current NHL.
On Wednesday, Rupp took the time to speak to the Leafs Morning Take podcast with features former Leafs defender Jay Rosehill, and when asked about how he feels about one of his most hated rivals chances going into the playoffs, the normally grouchy Rupp was more than complimentary:
I feel like it is a little bit different this year, I felt like it was trending a little bit different each of the last couple of years. But now they got a few dividends that will pay off in the playoffs.
I think I am cautiously optimistic where this could be the year this team can go on a run. I really do believe that.
So yeah. We'll see, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.
I think I am cautiously optimistic where this could be the year this team can go on a run. I really do believe that.
So yeah. We'll see, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.
His words echo the same sentiment that NHL analyst Ray Ferraro had regarding the Maple Leafs, as there certainly feels like there's a different aura around the 2024-25 team:
I think this team just seems a little different. If the goaltending holds, I think they are more than adequate. If the D plays the style it's built, that's above average. Top guys need to score though.
I'm not a panderer, but this seems like Toronto's best chance. Something seems different.
I'm not a panderer, but this seems like Toronto's best chance. Something seems different.
While there certainly is a lot of history saying that the Maple Leafs, for as good as they are, will not be successful in the first round but let's look at the stark changes this season.
Boston and Detroit haven't made the playoffs for the first time since the Maple Leafs last won the Cup, they've added legitimate goaltending for the first time really, ever; and the last time Craig Berube came in to help a team? A Stanley Cup victory.
It's been a completely different feeling indeed this season with the Maple Leafs, and with the entire league starting to believe, there's a real sense that Toronto can make a big push.
Let's just hope they don't play Rupp and everyone else like fools though for backing them.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 17 | 486 ANSWERS Longtime Leafs Critic Stuns Fans With Bold Statement About Toronto's Playoff Hope Do you honestly think Toronto will make a Stanley Cup run? | ||
| Yes | 405 | 83.3 % |
| No | 81 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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