Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette hasn't been one to be shy about his belief in the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Unfortunately, his hometown team hasn't reciprocated that support with playoff success — but that hasn't damaged his faith in the Leafs.
He made a proclamation heading into the season that the Leafs would be the ones to lift the Stanley Cup this year.
The host of Barstool's Spittin' Chiclets podcast and analyst for NHL on TNT and Sportsnet has always been a fan of general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube, and how they are trying to change the team's approach on the ice.
Toronto has been in a battle for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, and Bissonnette believes things are different this season.
"I think they have a lot of things going in their favour," Bissonnette told Dan Rosen of NHL.com. "Love the back end. There's depth at the goaltending position and 'Chief' (Berube). I think it's the best team they've had in a while. Them, New Jersey and Florida are probably the top three teams in the East. I think this window of opportunity is really opening for them."
It has been a tough time for the Leafs to find success in the post-season, with just one series win in the Core Four era.
It certainly won't be easy to compete in the Eastern Conference, but Bissonnette likes their chances.
"I think for sure they're getting past the first round, and I can see them going into the conference final against Florida," Bissonnette explained. "Florida, to me, is the best team, the hardest to beat in a seven-game series. I would trust them against anyone else. Now is the right time."
Bissonnette also said that if the Leafs were to finally end their championship drought that has been a thorn in the organization's side since 1967, he would want to be right in the mix.
"Well, we're doing the Final, so we'll be there, and I'm so fired up," Bissonnette said, referring to his TV responsibilities. "I would just be happy for the city. It would remind me of when Boston came back from down 3-0 against the Yankees (in the 2004 American League Championship Series) and they finally won that first World Series, just to see the reaction, people crying, I would want to stay and take in the energy of the city in celebration. I would stay there a few extra days."
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