In a Perfect World...Mats Sundin, Andrew Raycroft Lead the Maple Leafs

In a perfect world, this is what would happen when the Toronto Maple Leafs meet the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night...

First of all, Mats Sundin would score twice to break Darryl Sittler's record of 489 goals as a Maple Leaf. The second goal would be a game-winner in the third period, which would lift the Leafs into the playoffs.

And hey: Mats does tend to have a flair for the dramatic when it comes to his goal-scoring records.

Secondly, Andrew Raycroft would make 40 saves while only allowing one goal, robbing the Habs time and time again. Such a performance would prove to the people of Toronto that Raycroft really is a good goaltender, and that all he needs is experience.

It's been said before, and I'll say it again: Raycroft is only in his third season in the NHL. When the Leafs had Eddie Belfour and Curtis Joseph, both men had many more seasons under their belts than Raycroft has.

I predict that Raycroft's save percentage will be anywhere from 0.907 to 0.914 next season, and that his goals-against average will be around 2.50 per game. He can do the job he just needs some patience from the fans in Toronto as he develops.

If Sundin and Raycroft falter tonight and Toronto fails make the playoffs, I believe the center and the goalie will take a great deal of the blame, and will hear about it all summer and into next season.

But of course, that would never happen in a perfect world...