Toronto Maple Leafs Notes: Game Day Edition

Game Day: Boston @ Toronto

Game Time is 7PM tonight on CBC as part of Hockey Night In Canada.  Not too many game notes to go over now as teams are just getting ready to hit the ice for the morning skate.  Expect Vesa Toskala to be in the nets for Toronto tonight. Boston's Tim Thomas is having a great year, and will start tonight.

Ian White will be back in for Toronto tonight, while Anton Stralman will watch this one from the pressbox.  Kyle Wellwood will suit up tonight, also the Maple Leafs have sent Robbie Earl back to the AHL Affiliate Toronto Marlies. 

As far as the injuries for tonight goes the Leafs aren't expecting anyone back.  Darryl Boyce and Mark Bell are still out with injuries.  For Boston it looks like team leading scorer Chuck Kobasew and defenseman Aaron Ward could both be back for tonight's contest.

Boston sits seventh in the east with 64 points, while the Maple Leafs find themselves in last in the conference with just 55 points.

A Maple Leafs loss tonight, coupled with a Los Angeles Kings win would tie the two teams for dead last in the league.  LA would win the tie break based on wins (25 for the Kings, 23 for Toronto currently) meaning Leafs Nation could wake up tomorrow the worst team in the NHL.

That's all for the Game Day Notes, if anything happens during the morning skate, or any news comes my way, I'll be sure to pass it along. 

Stamkos,Pietrangelo Others Feel Blue And White Beckon

Last week it was reported that Sarnia Sting centre and consensus first overall pick Steven Stamkos said it would be "awesome" to be drafted by the Maple Leafs, his favourite hockey team.  Well it turns out that the speedy 18 year old isn't the only one who feels that way.

In an article ran by the London Free Press Alex Pietrangelo (projected 4th overall) Drew Doughty (2nd overall) and Zack Bogosian (9th overall) have all joined their OHL comrade Stamkos in proclaiming their desire to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The article, which runs in today's paper can be found here:

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/Hockey/2008/02/16/4851364-sun.html

It is truly refreshing to see some young talent that wants to play for the Leafs.  Don't get me wrong, I don't think the players on the current roster have given up, after all everyone wants to win every night.  Hearing how much these players want to be a part of the team gets you excited though.  With Toronto two points out of last in the league, and rumours of a potential Sundin to Anaheim swap that would include Edmonton's first round pick (5th overall based on standings as of today) making their dream could be a reality, at least for two of these promising players.

Leafs Fund Auction Underway

For those interested the Leafs Fund online auction is underway right now.  Some items

up for bidding are autographed jerseys signed by Mats Sundin, Vesa Toskala, Darcy Tucker, and Kyle Wellwood.  There is also a team signed stick, and Maple Leaf Gardens chair.  For a full list of items available check out www.mapleleafs.com.

Marlies Lose To Hamilton

Brent Aubin had two goals, while defenseman Andy Wozniewski and Derrick Walser each had a tally but it was the Marlies falling short to rivals Hamilton on Friday night at the Copps Coliseum.  This was the second of a two game mini series.  The teams split 1-1 with the Marlies winning Wednesday night.

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