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e Pregnant Home isearcho Laid csearch Aspx Women asearch Laws oeIt’s game day for the Leafs, visiting Philadelphia for an important matchup against the Flyers. While Toronto is obviously no sure thing for a playoff spot, they now find themselves within striking distance of the Flyers, Penguins and Devils. For a team that recently exploded for 11 of a possible 12 points, it isn’t that far-fetched to believe they can pass at least one of these clubs and land in sixth in the East.
The Flyers, on the other hand, have been mediocre lately, and their view from the top of the conference is a memory.
James Mirtle has more about Bryzgalov, the Flyers, and their recent struggles:
After all, they were 15-7-3 before HBO’s cameras invaded the dressing room and then won five games in a row immediately thereafter, standing first in the Eastern Conference.
But since an ugly 6-0 loss at home to the Boston Bruins midway through the run of the series, the Flyers are only 10-9-4 and have fallen much closer to a pack of teams fighting to make the playoffs
Tonight is a chance for the Leafs to move within three points of the Flyers with a regulation win. After being held to only a goal against a stingy home team in the Jets, hopefully the Leafs can break out for a few tonight.
Links after the jump.
Photo: TSN
Consensus among the insiders it that we’ll see a fairly low key 2012 trade deadline come and go this February 27th. With the number of buyers heavily outnumbering the sellers as of early February, the most entertaining part of trade day may well come in watching TSN’s army of panelists struggle to produce eight hours of analysis on the Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill trades (and a lot of this).
As far as the Leafs are concerned, it doesn’t appear their primary need will be met this deadline given the current market on top six forwards with size (not that a true “market” for this asset ever exists). Additionally, Burke’s need to go on the offensive in trade negotiations has been greatly diminished by his team’s results since the New Year, a 10-5-1 stretch during which his club has shown improvement and good chemistry. +Continue Reading
The Marlies are set to drop the puck against Rochester, Toronto’s closest competition in the North Division (four points back of the Marlies), at the Ricoh (11 a.m. start). A good time for your weekly update from the Marlies:
“The Marlies dropped the Syracuse Crunch 5-2 on Friday night at the Oncenter. Simon Gysbers’ goal early in the second period held up to be the game-winner. Philippe Dupuis notched three points, including his first goal of the season. Mike Zigomanis had a goal and a helper. Ryan Hamilton also had two assists, while Ben Scrivens made 37 saves on 39 shots. Marcel Mueller and Will Acton were the other two Marlie goal scorers. +Continue Reading
Photo: Vintage Leafs
Mats Sundin, perhaps the most hotly debated Leaf of all time (sorry, Phil), is in town. His number is being honoured this Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens, and the recluse-in-retirement has come back to Toronto for the festivities.
Maybe the best Leaf of the past two decades, he was an affable if reserved player both on and off the ice. He was no flash in the pan; he became the leading Leaf scorer through 13 seasons of determined consistency. Known for foppish locks, McDonald’s commercials, and breaking hearts, Mats’ mere presence always caused a stir. And on Saturday he’ll be in the ACC, just a stone’s throw from the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s eligible this coming fall, and it begs the question: Is Mats Sundin a first ballot hall of famer? +Continue Reading
James Reimer (expectedly) didn’t start in Winnipeg but the Leafs still needed to grab two points in an important back to back encounter. Oh look, it’s Nik Antropov! What, no Kyle Wellwood? For shame Jets, for shame.
Photo: RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR
The Maple Leafs continue a busy week with another all-Canadian matchup (one of three this week) tonight in Winnipeg. When playing as the tired team against a rested opponent, the Leafs are 1-4-1 this season, which makes sense for a team that needs its legs to be there in order to play its speed game. The Leafs do have momentum on their side, having collected 11 of their last 12 points, while Winnipeg enters tonight coming off of two losses in which they’ve scored once.
The Leafs will stick with the same lineup that’s been showing some good chemistry lately and playing well in all facets of the game. Their offense sits fifth in the league, while the defence has been shored up considerably since the New Year, posting five shutouts and limiting the opposition to 30 goals over their fifteen games since January 1. Five weeks into the calendar year, miraculously the once-moribund PK has yet to be scored on in 2012, while the powerplay is holding steady at fifth in the league (20%). Combined with good health, it seems to all be coming together at the right time for the Leafs in their bid to end the franchise’s seven-season playoff famine. +Continue Reading
