Joel Quenneville sees his own in the Toronto Maple Leafs, who, like the Chicago Blackhawks accomplished previously, seem to be in the process of fashioning a highly competitive roster after a stretch of difficult seasons.

Before their marquee matchup Saturday night, Quenneville told his coaching counterpart Mike Babcock that the Maple Leafs remind him of his team before they reeled off three championships in the space of seven years.

Babcock understands the Blackhawks represent the standard to which they aim to achieve, but was quick to acknowledge that comparisons don't promise similar riches.

"Everybody has a plan," he said, according to David Alter of the Athletic. "When you have a plan and you keep adjusting that plan, and you stick to it, you have an opportunity. But not many teams win three Cups in the period of time they have.

"Lets just get better here today."

What's more important than measuring up to a team from almost a decade ago is presenting a challenge to the current iteration of the modern-day dynasty, which happens to boast the NHL's best record since Feb. 1.

The Blackhawks have won 15 of their last 18, and in the process vaulted up to first in the Central Division.

Toronto, meanwhile, shuffled back into a wild-card spot with an enormous win over Tampa Bay earlier in the week, but must continue to take points with the Lightning and New York Islanders still just a point back.

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