NATHAN DENETTE
The sports prediction business is for suckers. Yesterday in this space I opined the Leafs and Predators were sure to play a low-scoring, sleep-inducing brand of hockey in their game at the ACC. If you're reading this blog, I'm guessing you know that I was slightly off the mark.
It's hard to know exactly what to make of last night's 5-4 victory. It was the best and worst Leaf game of the year all rolled up into one 60-minute roller coaster ride. Winger Clarke MacArthur's improbable stat line about sums it up: three assists to key the stirring comeback, but a -4 rating on the night.
Mirtle will be kicking around today as the team prepares for Thursday night's game against the New Jersey Devils. There will be no prediction from me.
The links:
Mirtle's always entertaining post-game wrap includes Ron Wilson admitting he wanted to leave the building after the first period.
Toronto Star reporter Paul Hunter's game story.
Star blogger Vinay Menon goes with Dawn of the Dead as the art on his post from last night's win.
National Post reporter Sean Fitz-Gerald's take on the game.
Pension Plan Puppets mix comedy with good statistical analysis of last night's win.
Leafs HQ does Game 17 in 10 points.
Michael Langlois at Vintage Leaf Memories uses the old pro/con list method to try to figure out if there is any rational basis for optimism in Leafland.