Quoting: Leafsfan98
First, I am asking about the team, not the Toronto's history.
Second, if you look at Toronto's team and compare it to Tampa (really 4 players trying to carry the team with Kuch being hated in the DR) or Colorado (injury riddled season not in a playoff spot or Edmonton for example (no 3rd or 4rth line/no defence/ no goalie), is Toronto really the far off if Sammy or Murray or both catch heat before playoffs
Third, Toronto physically isn't as disadvantaged as you try to make it seem (average height 6'1", average weight 201 lbs with Mitch Marner and Wayne Simmonds on the team)
Obviously, you entitled to your own opinion and that's why I posted this but above is mine
Point 1 - it's not about the history dictating the future, but the fact that historically they've been in this same position of the regular season, with a similar core roster, and were not serious contenders. So, would I consider them serious contenders? no... because they've done this all before, and to no avail.
Point 2 - any team can make a run if the Goaltending gets hot, Montreal made the finals and finished in last place a year later, so, yeah, Sammy and Murray CAN, but if i had to bet, it would be they won't.
Point 3 - I never brought up size, the big issue with Toronto is lack of depth, they have 4th liners rounding out their 3rd line, that's not a recipe for long term playoff success. Their D don't move the puck well, or contribute a reasonable amount of offense to make up for the lack of scoring punch up front beyond the top 2 lines, and even there, that LW core is not very impressive with Bunting and Engvall as their top point getters at that position.
I just don't think Toronto has the depth necessary to be a "serious" contender, serious contenders don't rely on pieces falling into place to make a run.