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Introduction

In the hockey-loving city of Toronto, one of the most anticipated events of the year is the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs, particularly when the hometown heroes, the Toronto Maple Leafs, make it into the postseason games. Fans impatiently wait every spring season to figure out when their beloved Leafs start their quest for the holy grail, The Stanley Cup.

The Significance of Playoff Timing

Every spring, the NHL heads into the postseason. Generally, it's around mid-April that the playoffs start. The very date can vary based on factors like previous season standings, the NHL’s season schedule, live broadcasting deals, and crucially, how the Leafs perform during the regular season. It's important to note that the specific date of the first Maple Leafs playoff game would be determined after the regular season's end, as rankings and pairings get officially announced by the NHL.

Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL Playoffs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a storied history in the NHL playoffs. Their most recent championship win was in the distant 1966-67 season, and since then, the team and its fans have been longing for a repeat. Despite having one of the longest Stanley Cup droughts in the league, the Leafs are typically competitive and often make it to the playoffs, adding intensity and excitement to Toronto's springtime.

Evaluating Regular Season Performance

The first step to find out when the Leafs' first playoff game is to follow their progress throughout the regular season. Across approximately 82 matches, teams wage icy battles for a coveted playoff spot, typically the top 8 teams from each conference. Toronto, being a member of the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, has stiff competition. Staying updated with the Leafs regular season is key in deducing when their playoff journey might commence.

Securing the Playoff Spot

For the Toronto Maple Leafs to secure a spot in the playoffs, they need to finish in the top three of the Atlantic Division or gain one of the two Wild Card spots in the Eastern Conference. As the regular season comes towards the end around early April, teams' final standings are much clearer, bringing the playoff schedule into view.

Announcement of Playoff Dates

Once the regular NHL season concludes, the playoff matchups are decided and the schedule is promulgated. For definitive information about the Leafs' first playoff game, fans are advised to check official NHL sources, local newspapers, and sports news outlets which will provide exact dates, times, and locations.

Conclusion

The Toronto Maple Leafs' first playoff game is steadfastly waited by their fans each year, creating an exciting and vibrant atmosphere throughout Toronto. While an exact date can only be established after the regular season concludes, fans can closely monitor the Leafs' performance, the team's standing, and official NHL communications to be one of the first to mark down that special date in their calendars.