MLHS Morning Mashup: Three Points Back
With a 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche last night, the Leafs have moved into a tie with the Carolina Hurricanes for ninth place in the Eastern Conference with 78 points, putting them three back of the Buffalo Sabres, who sit in eighth with two games in hand. Based on the past few seasons, the minimum number of points needed to qualify for the playoffs falls between 90 and 92 points. In order to reach that mark, the Leafs must win at least six of their final seven games. The goal heading into this west coast road trip was to collect four out of a possible six points, which has already been accomplished, so earning at least one point in Detroit on Saturday will be a major bonus for the team.
James Reimer is clearly the engine that drives the Leafs’ success, however there is one player in particular who hasn’t garnered nearly the amount of attention that he deserves based on his play this season. With spotlight shining on Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and of course Phil Kessel, there has been less talk of Nikolai Kulemin and his under the radar performance. With two goals last night, he has moved within two tallies of the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career. The 25-year old forward has not only set a career high in goals (28), assists (26) and overall points (54), but he has also been one of the team’s best penalty killers.
Check out your Leafs Links after the jump.
Leafs Links:
Maple Leafs 4 v. Avalanche 3: Dream On
PPP offers his thoughts on last night’s win over Colorado.
Post Game Thoughts – Leafs vs. Avs
Game recap from Jeffler at Leafs HQ.
Post gamer from Chase Hadden at Leafs Nation Online.
PPP breaks down the Leafs penalties taken this season and how they stack up against the rest of the league.
Maple Leafs Prospects in the CHL: Season Review
PPP Fan Poster Carl Peelash evaluates the performances of Leafs prospects in the CHL.
Missed Opportunity and a Signing
Jeffler recaps the Toronto Marlies performance this past weekend on Marlies HQ.
Matt Cooke’s suspension hearing: The top secret transcript
Down Goes Brown obtained a transcript of the Matt Cooke discliplinary hearing with Colin Campbell. Another gem by DGB.
Leafs’ Gustavsson determined to show he’s got ‘lots left in the tank’
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star reports that Jonas Gustavsson is taking a positive approach to his game, despite having an uncertain future with the Leafs.
Giguere Sees Young Self In Reimer/Reimer Never “Ceases To Amaze” Leafs
AM 640 beat reporter Jonas Siegel with two great stories on the play of James Reimer.
Marlies reporter Kyle Cicerella looks at Jake Gardiner‘s transition to the American Hockey League.
Advertising in Sport: “MLSE Monopoly”
AJ Morris of Leafs Nation Online discusses the MLSE monopoly and their power over consumers.
Is This The Real Dion Phaneuf?
Steve Dangle thinks Dion Phaneuf has turned around his game since returning from injury.
Other Hockey Links:
Teemu Selanne and the NHL’s lurking snipers
Justin Bourne looks at Teemu Selanne’s brilliance and how he has been instrumental in the Ducks playoff push.
Milbury thinks the NHL needs to alter its current system to prevent head injuries, although he doesn’t want to “wussify” the sport.
