Trotz likens young Maple Leafs to Gretzky's Oilers

Barry Trotz is offering some high praise for Tuesday night's opponent.

The Washington Capitals bench boss, who's in Toronto for an important clash with the Maple Leafs, was asked if he's ever seen anything similar to the young club's success this season.

"Yeah I have," Trotz said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "Edmonton Oilers, way back in the day. Starting with 99."

The Maple Leafs, led by historically productive rookies, among other things, have transformed from a 30th place laughingstock to a team that can clinch a playoff berth with a win and some help Tuesday.

"They're playing with structure," Trotz said. "A lot of focus and commitment. They're in a position to be in the playoffs right now. They're playing good hockey, they're getting great goaltending from (Frederik) Andersen, so there's not a lot of holes in their game. They got it dialled."

Both Washington and Toronto are red-hot of late, each going 8-1-1 over their last 10 games.