Dion Phaneuf, Norris Finalist
Jonathan Willis
April 05 2011 06:32PM
The Dion Phaneuf wearing the blue and white in Toronto is not the same Dion Phaneuf who was a finalist for the Norris Trophy in 2007-08. Believe it or not, that’s a good thing.
The times are changin' for Leafs
Steve Lansky
April 05 2011 02:42PM
A lot of things are about to change for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not their playoff predicament. That's sealed, whether or not they run the table in the final three games of the season. They are not going to participate in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth season in a row. The Rangers' win on Monday night, over Boston, made it impossible for Toronto to catch the New Yorkers. The best they can do now is tie Buffalo at 90 pts, and edge them out based on season series. Not gonna happen. The six-year, non-playoff streak is, by far, the longest such streak in Leafs' history. But there are more promising aspects on the horizon than there have been in years. And one of the biggest changes coming is that the Leafs are going to stop relying on other mediocre teams to lose in front of them for Toronto to gain success.
Boston Blows It; Playoff Hopes on Life Support
Chemmy
April 05 2011 07:33AM
The Bruins held a 3-0 lead last night and lost 5-3 to the Rangers. As usual we wish Boston the very worst. The Rangers with 91 points are now clear of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In New York they're only worried about Carolina stealing their spot. The Sabres are still in reach but if you remember our post yesterday they need three regulation losses and the Leafs need three wins not in a shootout.
Playoff Scenarios
Chemmy
April 04 2011 09:19AM
Currently in 10th place, (37-32-10, 32 ROW), There are two playoff spots the Leafs can grab. Here's how they can do it:
7th place: Buffalo Sabres - 90 pts (40-29-10, 35 ROW)
ROW is wins in either regulation or OT. It's the new first tiebreaker. To catch the Sabres the Leafs need to beat Washington, New Jersey and Montreal before the shootout and the Sabres need to lose their remaining three games in regulation. One missed point by the Leafs or one gained point by Buffalo and it's over.
If the Leafs win out without the shootout they'll have 90 points and 35ROW. That would take us to the second tie breaker: points earned in head to head games. The Leafs are 3-2-1 against Buffalo this season, good for 7pts. Buffalo is 3-3-0 vs. Toronto for only 6pts.
Buffalo's schedule is: Tampa, Philly and @ Columbus. Tampa and Philly haven't done us many favors so far and Columbus are pretty terrible.
Game #79 Scoring Chances: Maple Leafs @ Senators, Apr. 2/11 (4-2 Win)
Slava Duris
April 04 2011 08:37AM
Scoring Chances for NHL Game Number 21168
