The year is 2004, and the NHL was entering a bitter dispute that would cost the league an entire season. That was also the last time the Toronto Maple Leafs made the playoffs...until now. A 4-1 win tonight against Ottawa ensures the Leafs a spot in the playoffs and in the process, gives them a cushion on their Ontario rival for playoff seeding. So, how did the Leafs make the playoffs this year? It begins in goal, where James Reimer has seized the starting goaltender spot after a rough 2011-12 season that saw him battle injuries and inconsistency. A major question mark heading into this season, Reimer has played well enough to get the nod over Ben Scrivens most nights. Another reason for the Leafs' success is the emergence of Nazem Kadri, who until this season, was never really given a chance to shine under the Brian Burke regime. This year, he has been the center the Leafs wanted when they took him in the first round in 2009, and despite struggling of late, the ceiling for him is high and on a line with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul, the Leafs' offense could be set for a while. Kadri's emergence has also helped define the hierarchy of the Leafs' centers, with Tyler Bozak thriving in his natural role of third line center and allowed for James van Riemsdyk to thrive in his natural position on the wing. Defensively, the Leafs aren't the strongest, but having Dion Phaneuf back there takes some of the pressure off some of the younger players looking to make a name for themselves.
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