The Maple Leafs may have just done themselves a further disservice as they continue to surpass non-playoff teams in the standings and gain no real ground on those within playoff qualification. But one could only sit back and enjoy tonight's game for what it was - a first-rate effort from all involved, and an out-and-out victory over a divisional foe which has been a thorn in the Maple Leafs' side throughout the post-lockout era.
The Maple Leafs' bench likely had one eye on the score-board behind Vesa Toskala's goal in the third period as the Flyers and Rangers traded goals in the late stages, with the Flyers surfacing as the eventual winner via shoot-out. In wake of their recent slide, Boston appears to be the ticket to ride for any teams making a late post-season bid. Even as the Maple Leafs continue to win games in their relentless pursuit for the final playoff spot, it doesn't change the fact that, should the Bruins win their game in hand, the Maple Leafs are 7 points back with 7 games to go. The only remaining playoff hope to cling to is the fact that the Leafs have a back-to-back next weekend with the Bruins, who also have to play the Habs tomorrow night (2 Bruins' points dropped at the best of times).
Perhaps more apposite is the fact that the Maple Leafs just passed two Western Conference non-playoff teams - the Coyotes and Blue Jackets - and sit tied with the Coyotes for the 8th overall draft pick. Not to mention the fact that they are within striking distance of both Edmonton and Florida (one point ahead). If they continue to rack up points in the next 7 games they could very well vault themselves clear of a top 10 pick.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating. The future of this franchise is going to rely on Trader Cliff living up to his name on draft day.
Putting the above aside, one can not help but feel thrilled with some of the performances on show not only tonight, but over the past few weeks... the incandescence of the youth, in particular.
Matt Stajan performed admirably this evening, between his PK heroics and nail-in-the-coffin marker late in the third. The community sentiment has been somewhat divided on Stajan throughout his career in Toronto, but it seems whenever the team needs someone to rise to the occasion he always elevates his level of play. He's never going to be one to tear it up offensively and has to earn every point he gets (as he did tonight after pursuing his own rebound), but he does the little things well and you can never call his work ethic into question. He would be a capable checking line center on any team in this league. With Fletcher recently securing Alex Steen for a couple more years, one has to wonder what the hold-up is in extending Stajan.
Steen, meanwhile, has played a fantastic final third of the schedule. He is beaming confidence right now, with a strong sense of belief in his game. The Winnipeg native has posted 19 points in the 20 games following his contract extension. Paul Maurice has been molding Steen into more of a defensive forward, but with the absence of two key contributors up front, he's been given the opportunity to flourish offensively. Its rather Sundin-like the way he operates down-low and shields the puck to the outside of his body in trafficked areas. Steen simply doesn't possess the size of Sundin that's needed to put him over the top offensively, but he's become very effective at both ends of the ice.
There is an interesting story unfolding with Pavel Kubina. After the events of February 26th and the fall-out that ensued, the Czech has been nothing short of brilliant, particularly in the offensive zone. Whats most intriguing is the fact that Kubina is coming through with the added responsibility during 5-on-5 and man-advantage situations. The 5 million dollar contract has long been the catch with Kubina, but he appears to be living up to the top 2 billing. One could dare say he is just about worth that massive contract. What's becoming more apparent is that John Ferguson identified a great talent, but tried to fit a square peg into a circular hole. With two mainstays already installed in the blue-line, Kubina was regularly forced out of top 2 minutes, the type of responsibility he seems to thrive in. Fletcher now has an interesting decision to make as to what pieces he moves in the off-season.
Anton Stralman, meanwhile, has been visibly improving with each passing game. He has taken major strides in improving the positioning in his defensive game. Already in place is his puck-moving skill, smooth skating ability and on-ice vision, now he must continue to develop his own-zone play to round out his game. In addition to his first ever NHL goal, Stralman was a +3 tonight. Fellow country-man Steffan Kronwall was similarly strong in the defensive zone. Carlo Colaiacovo has been the Leafs top defenseman when healthy with physical, two-way play. In those three, providing the latter can stay off the shelf for any length of time (a big IF), the Leafs have half of their top 6 going forward.
And what more can be said about Vesa Toskala. His team has been inconsistent as a Dick Cheney cover story and he's had no safety net in the form of a competent back-up goaltender, but amongst the ruins he has remained as steady as a rock. Its unquestionable that Toskala should at the very least see out his contract in Leafland. As the Leafs embark on their youth movement, its every bit as important that they remain competitive on a night-to-night basis. As imperative it is that the Leafs test the youngsters' mettle and grant them ample opportunity, they would be gaining very little by enduring a slaughtering each night. Toskala has proven himself capable of keeping his team competitive regardless of what's in front of him. Meanwhile, Fletcher must proceed to cut ties with Andrew Raycroft in order to wet Justin Pogge's feet on occasion.
While its hard to imagine the end result of this playoff push being any different from that of seasons past, Leafs fans can take a lot of solace in the fact that the players of tomorrow are emanating the promise of a better future.
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