Game Day
No, not that type of hockey, but five Leafs are currently taking part in international action this afternoon. James Reimer, Dion Phaneuf and Luke Schenn [more…]
It's all over now but the crying. Except there won't be any tears shed on my behalf.
Tonight the Toronto Maple Leafs will ice a team that looks like something out of 2013, with Matt Frattin and Joe Colborne both making their debuts.
The team will host the arch-rival Canadiens at the Air Canada Centre, and will be playing for some more pride after their elimination from playoff contention earlier this week.
A day after seeing their playoffs hopes dashed by a combination of a shootout loss to Washington and a Sabres win over the Lightning, the Maple Leafs find themselves in New Jersey for their second-last game of the season, and final game on the road.
Although the excitement and momentum of an impressive second half run has been somewhat dampened by inevitability, the Leafs still have much to play for.
Not only is there a chance to overtake Carolina and further impact Boston's draft position, there remains also opportunity for players to impress coaches and management with an eye toward establishing/cementing roles for next season.
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Alexander the Great comes to Toronto with a win in mind. In our case tying the season series against the Capitals means prolonging what little is left of our playoffs hopes. However, even a win tonight can’t win the war against numbers. If Buffalo manages to beat Tampa, or even if that game goes into overtime the Leafs will officially be eliminated from the playoff race. Grab your voodoo paraphernalia, tarot cards, whatever other mumbo jumbo you might have and hope, just hope.
14th place in the Eastern Conference? Thoroughly victimized over the last few seasons by the Toronto Maple Leafs? Yes, these Ottawa Senators appear to be ripe for the picking for a surging Leafs squad. Â A Leafs squad that must also anticipate the final three games of the season, must-wins against opponents stronger than a suddenly-rebuilding Senators team. This also appears to be a situation that could evoke the sort of mental relaxation and carelessness in the Leafs that would see Ottawa happily steal away two points at Scotiabank Place.
The Leafs enter their final meeting with the Boston Bruins holding a 3-2 edge in the season series and having won the clubs' last two matchups by a combined score of 9-5. Since really turning it on around mid February, the Leafs' performances against Northeast Division rivals ahead of them in the standings has been a promising sign for next season. In their last seven games against Northeast opponents dating back to February 15, the Leafs are 6-0-1, with the SO loss coming against the Senators.
The reference to next season is done purposefully here after the Leafs' already minuscule playoff chances took a further hit last night. After Buffalo and Carolina wins over New York and Montreal (these teams comprise seeds 6-9) in the East, it's no longer necessarily a Sabres falling off the Leafs need but perhaps instead a total collapse from one of the Rangers or Habs. The Canes would have to clear the way by cooling off while one of the Sabres, Rangers or Habs would have to completely collapse altogether. The Leafs, meanwhile, would have to hold up their end by rhyming off five straight to end the season. Yeah, pretty damn remote. [more…]
High quality stream available here.
No, there is no Leafs game tonight, but it's not like you won't be watching the Rangers take on Buffalo so we thought it might be a good idea to have that game discussion here. You know, sending those positive Leaf vibrations to the Rangers. We will provide all the necessary streams and a preview for your viewing pleasure provided you pick up that Sabres voodoo doll and stick some pins in for a good cause. Just this once, go regulation Rangers!
"For those who fight for it, life has a flavor that the protected will never know." Tonight’s scenario is pretty simple, win and the Leafs preserve a modest chance to get in, lose and we’re practically on the golf course. Of all the must win games this season, this one probably takes the cake, as the stakes couldn’t get any higher.
The players still believe there is a chance to make the playoffs so who are we to argue? But, in order to make things somewhat interesting again, they have to prove themselves on the ice. This is the sixth and final time we meet the Sabres this season. Let’s make it count.
Tonight, the Leafs face a strong Detroit team, one that is expected to make a deep postseason run. However, if there was ever a time to exploit their goaltending woes and the injury bug that’s been very unkind to the Wings lately, it’s now.
This will once again be a one and done meeting and both teams will look to make the most if it. No question that the Leafs need the 2 points more, but this Detroit team will look to show some early character and team spirit prior to the start of the playoffs.
"Do or die", a phrase that can be used for pretty much all of the games remaining on the Maple Leafs schedule as they attempt to maneuver themselves into that final playoff spot. Â Yet this blog's tagline uses this redundant sports idiom for more than it's alliterative appeal, as tonight's visit to Colorado will reflect the ability of our young Toronto team to close out those "winnable" games. Â Yes, the Avalanche are an up-and-coming team laden with skilled youngsters. Â If I were a member of the finger-wagging MSM, I would make it clear that they are a team rebuilding the "right way", and that the Leafs own efforts are misguided and inferior. Â But at this point in the season, only one thing matters: this is a team with just three wins in their last 23. Â They are abysmal right now, with inadequate goaltending and the motivational issues that inevitably arise in bottomfeeding NHL clubs. Â Toronto trotted out what some would call the quintessential road game against Minnesota on Tuesday night. Â The mark of good teams in this league is the ability to execute such performances consistently when it matters. Â As such, regardless of this team's playoff destiny, tonight (9 PM, Sportsnet) will be a test worth watching.
This is the only season meeting between the two teams with the Leafs holding the all time record of 5-3-0 against the Minnesota Wild. Unfortunately, the Wild have won three out of the last four encounters including the 5-2 victory last season.
Mikko Koivu, the highest paid player on the Wild roster proved to be the difference maker, ending that night with a goal and two assists.
This is the fifth of six meetings the Leafs have with the Bruins this season. The margin for error on our part becomes increasingly thin, actually to the point of invisibility. This game is about two things, a win, which the Leafs desperately need, and Tomas Kaberle.
The Northeast rivals have so far split the season series, the last game going Toronto's way with Phil Kessel scoring the game winner in the 4-3 win.
