Crossing The NHL’s Atlantic Division: Week 26
By Tim Bayer
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs
By Tim Bayer of Editor In Leaf
Most Toronto Maple Leafs fans are slowly coming to the realization that this season will probably end without a playoff appearance for their favourite team. A couple of weeks ago, it seemed highly improbable that the Leafs could fall out of a playoff position, but after six straight losses, the highly improbable has become the reality.
Since last week, the Leafs have fallen to two Atlantic division rivals in the Lightning and the Canadiens, another team fighting for their playoff lives in the New Jersey Devils and one of the best teams in the league in the St. Louis Blues. The Leafs lost three of these past six games by only one goal and the other three by two, but that’s hardly a consolation for a team that’s seen its playoff hopes practically dashed to pieces.
The Leafs welcomed back starter Jonathan Bernier to the crease against the Blues last night, hoping he could be their saviour once again. Unfortunately, even Bernier couldn’t save them, as the Blues peppered 48 shots on the Leafs’ net and dominated for most of the game, winning 5-3.
The Leafs will likely need at least six wins in their final eight games to make the postseason, which is highly unlikely with their tough schedule down the stretch. Next up is a back-to-back against the Philadelphia Flyers and the Red Wings beginning on Friday, followed by a home tilt against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.
At least we can look forward to a decent first round draft pick. Sigh.