One of the challenges for the Maple Leafs this year is going to be surpassing some of the goalposts they set a year ago.



You add John Tavares, and your superstar kids get a year older, and expectations — understandably — go through the roof.



But the Leafs won 49 games last season, one of the 40 highest marks in the NHL over the past 10 years. They scored 3.29 goals per game, good for eighth among all team seasons the past decade. They had 105 points, which is tied for the 43rd best record since 2008-09.



Many of the franchises ahead of them on that last list have won Stanley Cups. It’s a group that includes five Washington teams, four Pittsburghs, three Chicagos and three Bostons.



Getting 105 points isn’t what it used to be — before overtime and shootout losses goosed point totals — but it also isn’t easy. Only about five teams a year manage that feat.



And, since we’re talking about...