Confident Joffrey Lupul issues bold prediction for week ahead

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul has been in a bit of a slump of late. Lupul registered just one point (a goal) in his last 12 games since missing time in early December as a preventative way to quell a nagging injury. 

But after practice on Tuesday, Lupul issued a bold proclamation to reporters concerning the week ahead.

Via the Toronto Sun:

Lupul said he has been working on getting his confidence back now that he is comfortable skating again, and his statement seems to show that his confidence is only growing. If Lupul is right about the coming week, the Leafs will be extremely grateful. 

Toronto lost its leading scorer, James van Riemsdyk, for the next 6-8 weeks with a broken foot, meaning it needs some of its other players to step up. Lupul's nine goals in 35 games so far this season shows he can be a great asset in helping Toronto finish in front of then net. Should the 32-year-old, who has been playing largely on the third line, start scoring, he could possibly receive a bump up in the lines as coach Mike Babcock works to find a good combination in van Riemsdyk's absence.