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“It’s funny how your expectations kind of shift over the years,” van Riemsdyk said. “You expect yourself to get (to 20 goals) versus when you do it the first time. I was laughing about that with my dad (Frans). You push yourself higher and higher, and you want to keep pushing the envelope.

“We have a great group of guys I love being around, but at the end of the day, we have no control over (being traded). I’m prepared to come in every day like I always do and put my best foot forward and do what I can to help the team win.

“I’ll let the rest of the chips fall where they may.”

GET QUICK: KADRI

If the loss to the Bruins served as a lesson for the Leafs as they start a five-game homestand on Monday night against ex-Leafs coach Randy Carlyle and the Anaheim Ducks, what would that lesson entail?

“Just try to play quicker,” centre Nazem Kadri said. “We were too slow at times (in Boston) moving the puck and were not quick enough to support each other when they were pressuring us.

“Getting through the neutral zone a little quicker, getting on the forecheck, generating opportunities that way. I think we did not give ourselves enough outs.

“We’re a fast team, that’s our identity, that’s how we’re going to win games. Stick to our structure and use our speed. We’re an offensive team, so capitalize.”

If the Bruins indeed are the Leafs’ opponent in the first round of the playoffs in April, Kadri was not put off by the spanking the Bruins gave the Leafs.

“It’s February,” Kadri said. “We understand there’s lots of hockey to be played (with a chance to grow). We did not play our best, we know that. We have more to give.”

FROM THE HASH MARKS

Never mind the poor effort in Boston — during which the Leafs had just 28 shot attempts during five-on-five play, their fewest in a game this season — Babcock cancelled a scheduled practice on Sunday, giving his players the day off … The Leafs’ next victory will mark Babcock’s 100th with Toronto. His record to date as Leafs coach is 99-88-31 … During the loss on Saturday, the Leafs allowed two power-play goals in a game for just the fifth time in 2017-18. The Leafs haven’t given up three power-play goals in a game this season.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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