Maple Leafs Notes (Back At Last!): Still Hanging On, Sens On Tap

Article Preface

I have to apologize for the week that was.  I was having some severe problems with my laptops wireless modem, but I have them fixed now (or they at least appear to be.)  Other than that, it was a great week.  Let's see, The Leafs won both week games, I got my Xbox 360 back from repair, my New York Yankee tickets came in the mail (road trip), and my and my girlfriend went to see the Foo Fighters (possibly the best concert I've ever seen, and I've seen quite a few.)

Onto the Leafs Notes

Playoff Hopes Still Hang

Though they may not be making up any ground, they certainly aren't going away either.  Two big wins (in regulation) this week over the Islanders and the Sabres, both on the road, and the Maple Leafs are officially one of the hottest teams in he NHL.  They still sit five points out of the 8th and final playoff spot, however there was some good news.  

The Philadelphia Flyers have slipped into the 7th seed in the East, dropping the Boston Bruins to 8th.  The Maple Leafs still play the Bruins a couple times this season, and they have been a hot and cold team all year, so this could be the time to make the move.  It could turn out to be much easier to catch the B's than it would have been the Flyers.

 
Maple Leafs Vs Senators Pre Game

Bet you can't guess who's in goal tonight for the Blue and White?  Yes, it is Vesa Toskala, who will go once again for Toronto.  He let in one of the most embarrassing goals in hockey history on Long Island (which I still partially blame the terrible ice) but the Finnish netminder has been spectacular in this run, and was dynamite again last night in Buffalo.

The Senators will reply with Martin Gerber, making his 10th straight start.

Paul Maurice says that Mats Sundin is doubtful for tonight's game, while energy forward Boyd Devereaux will be a game time decision.  He has spent two stints on the injured list for a back injury.  

Chris Neil is back for the Sens, while Randy Robataille will likely be a healthy scratch, replaced by Christoph Shubert.

Marlies Update: Record Setting Season

The Maple Leafs AHL Affiliate Toronto Marlies set a new team record last night.  The Marlies defeated rivals the Hamilton Bulldogs 3-2 in overtime, giving the baby leafs their franchise record 42nd win on the season.  The Marlies are also riding a four game win streak, as they wind out their regular season and prepare for the playoffs. 

 
Looking Ahead

I haven't had the Internet for a while as I eluded to earlier, but I was still busy plugging away at some things.  I have a few really cool articles and pieces on tap in the coming months.  First I have a Toronto Maple Leafs draft preview/review, coming shortly after the season ends.

Then be on the lookout for a Toronto Maple Leafs free agent preview.  The Leafs are clearly in a rebuild and won't be looking to break the bank on high priced free agents, but that doesn't mean they can't spend and be young, inexpensive, and competitive.

Also me and fellow Maple Leafs correspondent Bryan Thiel are working on a tentative deal to do an NHL Entry Draft blog (similar to the Trade Deadline live blog.)  Nothing is concrete yet, but keep an eye out for that.

So that is Leafs Notes for today, Saturday March 21st.  Be on the lookout for a new Leafs Notes tomorrow night, as I review the Leafs/Senators battle, and look to the week ahead.

Next Game

Toronto@Ottawa

Game Time:

7PM on CBC as part of Hockey Night In Canada.