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Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Players Who Need to Step Up in Round One

By David Morassutti

Apr 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) checks Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson (43) at the Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) checks Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson (43) at the Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Mar 22, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) reacts to scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Leafs won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Nazem Kadri

Credit Kadri for embracing the defensive role Babcock asked him to take on to start the season. He was a positive possession player and has the edge to his game that is needed in the playoffs.

The question is whether the challenge of being the underdog gets to Kadri? He is going to be important when Babcock is looking to match up against the Washington’s top two lines.

Having Brian Boyle will help Kadri. It will mean he does not need to take on all the tough minutes against Alex Ovechkin.

Kadri had 32 goals (12 on the powerplay) which is a great thing to see, because he struggled to put up offence last season. If he can drive the play and set the tone physically, this will be a tougher series for Washington.

That did not happen when the Leafs played the Capitals the last time, but that is just one game. The Kadri, Nylander and Leo Komarov line will be the most important defensive line for the Leafs, especially with a banged up defence.

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