Toronto Maple Leafs: Why the Next 3 Games Are of Major Importance

After back-to-back disappointing losses to the Boston Bruins, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a logjam at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

The Maple Leafs play three games this week and anything less than two wins could spell trouble. With Montreal, Buffalo, Washington, Winnipeg and Ottawa well within four points of the Maple Leafs, a bad week could drop them outside of playoff position. A good week, however, would give them some breathing room. 

This week will show us how the Maple Leafs deal with adversity. Will they crumble? Or will they rise to the challenge?

Up first Monday night are the New York Rangers. Winning 12 of their last 14, they will provide the Maple Leafs with another big challenge. It is unsure who will be in goal, but with games Monday and Tuesday, it is likely both James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson see action.

The Maple Leafs will then fly home to play the struggling New Jersey Devils. This is the "easiest" game of the week and being at home should hopefully create a positive advantage for the Maple Leafs.

The Devils lack scoring, defensive depth and their goaltending situation is a mess. The Maple Leafs need to win this game.

If the Leafs can record four points in that stretch, it will set up an interesting Friday night game in Washington.

The Washington Capitals are an interesting team. They started the season very hot, but since then they have cooled off. Since Dale Hunter was named coach for the Capitals, they have played a more defensive style of game, but to little success.

The Maple Leafs will need to create a strong fore-check if they want success against the Capitals.