Maple Leafs-Devils: Toronto's Fate in the Balance

Tonight is quite possibly the most important date in the Toronto Maple Leafs season. 

One way or the other, people will likely look back to March 8 as the deciding night in their season.

The Leafs, coming off a huge 8-2 thrashing of the Bruins, are back home to face New Jersey.  The Devils were at the Air Canada Centre Tuesday night as well, beating Toronto 4-1.

Also tonight, among other matchups, the Philadelphia Flyers will tangle with the New York Islanders. Why is this important? Well, with two big home and homes with the Flyers on tap for this week, the Leafs could do themselves a huge favor by beating the Devils tonight.  

If the Leafs beat the Devils and the Islanders beat the Flyers (which is somewhat of a lose-lose, as it will give the Islanders some much-needed points), the Leafs will be just four points behind Philadelphia.

Of course we all know what this means. If the above scenario is to play out, Toronto will head into the two-game mini series just two wins back of Philadelphia. Taking at least one game, or better yet a series sweep, and the Leafs could leave this week either two points back, or tied for the eighth spot.

They still do need some help from teams around them (as you always will in such a close parity league) however, after being a victim of circumstance the past two seasons, the Leafs really couldn't ask for much more than to control their own fate.

Blake is Leafs’ Masterson Candidate

Toronto forward Jason Blake has been nominated by the Toronto chapters of hockey writers as the Leafs’ Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy candidate.

The Masterson trophy is given out to the player who shows perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

It was in October when Blake announced he was suffering from a rare form of Chronic Myelogenous Lukemia. The condition is highly treatable, and with the use of a daily pill called Gleevec, Blake says he lives a completely perfect life and is "Only reminded that he has the disease when he has to take the pill."

The past three winners of the Masterson were Phil Kessel (2007), Teemu Selanne (2006), and Bryan Berard (2004.)

Toronto Marlies Update

The Marlies dropped a 3-2 decision to Syracuse last night. Max Taylor, who was called up to round out a lineup that is missing regulars that are now with the Maple Leafs, scored his first career AHL goal.

The Marlies still have a busy weekend ahead. Toronto plays host to the Manitoba Mosse tonight, as well as rematch with the Crunch tomorrow afternoon. 

Sunday afternoon's game will start at 4 p.m. and will feature a special pregame ceremony honoring former captain, Marc Moro.

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