Lou Capozzola
The cynic would be quick to shrug his shoulders at the Toronto Maple Leafs' win over the New York Islanders last night. After all, a matchup with the second worst team in the NHL that was forced to start its fifth-string goaltender following a mishap in the pre-game skate probably should result in an easy victory.
It wasn't easy, but the team did leave Uniondale with a 5-3 win to move within eight points of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 28 games left in the regular season. Get ready for the flood of unlikely playoff push stories. As stated in this space before, winning enough games to keep another lottery pick away from the Boston Bruins would feel like a major victory. The playoffs feel like a pipe dream.
Mirtle is headed down to practice this afternoon as the blue and white prepare for a visit from the New Jersey Devils Thursday night. He will file something to this space later in the day.
Until then, the links:
Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star on last night's game.
Toronto Sun reporter Lance Hornby on how an easy two points almost got away.
Game report from Pension Plan Puppets
Franklin Steele at The Hockey Writers claims the Leafs are not doomed.
Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories says Tomas Kaberle is bound to be dealt this year.
AM640's Jonas Siegel says trade talk won't distract Kaberle.