Before the Toronto/Buffalo games, I ironically stated that Toronto would win one game, and Buffalo would also win a game.
Believe me or not, the reason I thought this was because the Leafs got their top d-man back and are already playing playoff hockey, and I gave buffalo a win because of who they are.
But I have to think, based on how Toronto's rival playoff hunters are playing, are they too late?
Toronto gave up a big 4-1 lead on the Sabres Friday night, one that they should have easily one because they were out playing Buffalo for most of the game. They just played better hockey for the first two periods, but threw it away in the third. The game total was 5-4 Buffalo. I think that was a severe blow to both the Leafs confidence and chances.
Toronto did however beat Buffalo ironically by a score of 4-1 the following night in Toronto, a must win game for the Leafs. They played much like they did in the first game, but with an added bonus that was Andrew Raycroft playing at his potential.
If the Leafs managed to win these games they would have 84 points now, and have a game in hand of both the Rangers and Islanders who played this evening.
I have to admit, I would like to see Toronto make it to the post season, because I think Mats Sundin is a good player, and respect him a lot, I don't know how people hate this guy. He is an all around good hockey player, and I would like to see him win a cup with the Leafs before he retires.
For Toronto to have a chance to make it to the post season, Their big line of Ponikarovsky,Sundin,and Antropov will need to keep playing like they are, and Raycroft will need to play "Calder Trophy Winner" hockey.
