The Maple Leafs are providing plenty of reasons for optimism as the playoffs near. Justin Bourne breaks down the team’s promising play as of late.

On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs clinched their playoff berth with a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. However, the game wasn’t without its challenges.

What do Luke Haymes, John Prokop and Ryan Kirwan bring to Toronto? What do their signings reveal about the state of the Leafs' prospect pool

Marner also had 69 assists two years ago, when he finished with 99 points in 80 games. With seven Leafs games remaining, Marner should hit the 100-point milestone for the first time in his NHL career. Going into the Leafs’ home game against Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, Marner has 93 points.

Anthony Stolarz won a Cup with the Panthers last season. With the Leafs, he likes what he saw in a battle of Atlantic Division rivals.

So, when the Maple Leafs' defenseman dropped the gloves on Saturday night against Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Malott, it was a surprising sight. The bout unfolded quickly, as Carlo found himself tangled near Toronto's net early in the first period with a whole lot of heavy punches launched and landed from both contestants.

This year, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to replicate their gritty performance from a significant victory over the Florida Panthers. With the playoffs just around the corner, key players such as Mitch Marner,

But with all that said about Marner's offensive heroics, it was his defensive prowess in the final minutes while the Maple Leafs were holding a 3-2 lead that pleased his coach the most. At one point, the Toronto forward leapt in the air to bat down a puck, then dove to swat it out of the Toronto zone and relieve the pressure.