Maple Leafs-Devils--Teams Battle Refs, Each Other In Eastern Conference Matchup

I said earlier today that tonight's game could very well decide the fate of the Maple Leafs season.

And if it did, what a shame.

Now, let me get this out there right now, so I don't turn off the anti-Leafs fans who think this will be full of homerism.  Very simply put, the refs were no good.  They made terrible calls.  Not just for Toronto, for both teams.  New Jersey was assessed minors that were questionable to say the least, and Toronto was thrown in the sin bin for calls no one could seem to find.

But it was a little easier to stomach when the captain, as he has so many times before, came to the team's rescue and tied the contest at one.

But Leafs fans will say that the ultimate injustice came with under one minute to go in the game.  Leafs netminder Vesa Toskala had stopped a shot, and was a little unsure of where it was, though it appeared to under his pad.  Then Devils winger Jamie Langenbrunner pitch-forked Toskala off the puck and Parise threw it past the prone goalie to give New Jersey the win.

Following the game CBC hosts Don Cherry and Ron Maclean were both incensed on the call.  Cherry called both goals blatant interference, and felt the whistle should have been blown on the second goal.  If there was no whistle, it at least should have been disallowed based on the goaltender interference.

Surely, the NHL wants to encourage the race that is happening in both conferences,  especially in the East.  Teams are neck and neck down to the wire, and it's just a shame that the officials spoiled what should have been a great game.

New Jersey was battling for first in the East, Toronto was battling for their playoff lives, and really, the refs didn't do either team any favours tonight.

Full credit to New Jersey, especially Martin Brodeur who was great (when isn't he?).  And you have to give the Leafs credit, they certainly tested the future Hall of Fame goalie.  They were only able to get one past him, when a Mats Sundin slap shot from the half boards eluded Brodeur.  It was Sundin's 31st of the season.

Parise has been absolutely dynamite all year for New Jersey, particularly against the Maple Leafs.

As for Toronto, I thought Sundin had an excellent game as usual.  Toskala was very sharp as well.  

Following the game, Paul Maurice stated that "It should have been a penalty.  You can't debate whether the puck was free or not, but when someone pushes the goalie in the net like that, it should have been called."

He later went on to say "This week is real huge, I mean, we have to beat Philadelphia back-to-back to even have a hope."

Toskala appeared not to blame the refs in the media scrum after the game, taking most of the blame on his shoulders. "I lost the puck in my feet, I wasn't sure where it was, so I can't really say whether it was a good goal or not."

Surely, it wasn't just that play that sealed it for the Maple Leafs.  They had plenty of chances, hitting three goal posts in the opening period. 

It's very tough to see a season, and a playoff drive, possibly ended on a questionable call.  

In my opinion, it should have been disallowed because of the fact Langenbrunner physically moved Toskala off the puck, took him out of the play in the process, which allowed Parise to sweep it in.

But, you win some, you lose some.  I have seen plays like that called a penalty, and plays like that not called.  It's just the way it goes sometimes.

The Leafs are into Philly for a home and home this week.  Eight points back, it will take a borderline miracle to make the post season now.  But there is still pride on the line.  There is still the chance to earn your keep on a team that will undergo an overhaul this summer.