The Maple Leafs are a likely choice for the final spot in the eastern conference to a lot of fans. Even when they are back in the 10th and 11th seeds, they manage to work their way up to the 9th seed, but they just can't get to 8th.
It seems to me that the Leafs are having a tough time playing games this season that are must-win scenarios. They manage to work their way back up to the 9th seed, but can never manage to squeeze into the final spot. Last night against the Rangers was a prime example of this when they lost 7-2 in a game that could put them in a tie with the Rangers for the final two seeds.
The Leafs and Habs have basically the same schedule for their final 3 games. Montreal = Boston, Long Island, and Toronto - Toronto = Philadelphia, New York, and Montreal.
They each have a gimme game against teams they can beat, but I would not bet against Philadelphia or Boston to be spoilers. The games against the New York teams will be tougher.
My guess it that they both will go 1-1 in their next two games and it will come down to the final game against each other.
For the Leafs to have a chance, they need to get some guys to step it up like Sundin does around this time every year. You can expect him to be playing his best hockey.
I also assume Tomas Kaberle and Darcy Tucker will be at their best.
Nik Antropov and Alexei Ponikarovsky will need to get their huge frames down low to keep the puck in the opposite end to setup scoring chances.
The one player who will need to shine the most is Andrew Raycroft. If he plays bad, they loose, if he plays good, they win. Its that simple.
If you are in an area where you can watch Saturday's game between the long time rivals I suggest you sit down and enjoy the ride, because the eastern conference battle for the final seed truly will not be over until its over.
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.
