Credit to the Leafs' team and coaching staff - they're not about to raise the white flag.
But the Maple Leafs continue to come and go at the worst of times.
They seemed to be set for a legitimate drive to the post-season, only to suffer some key injuries and slip into the abyss, sparking speculation that the wheels were in motion on a long-overdue re-build.
Now, when a tanking would seem most opportune, the Maple Leafs string together 3 successive victories to off-set a terrible California road-trip.
The wheels continue to spin in the mud.
This was, from all accounts, a well-played game by the Maple Leafs. After capitalizing on an early power-play, the Leafs played sound defensively and limited the Sabres' offense to only 4 first period shots. Maurice went with a more conservative game-plan and succeeded in limiting the opposition's time and space.
The Leafs came out for the 2nd period with a lot of energy and grabbed two early markers to put the Sabres on the back-foot. It was an uphill struggle for the Slugs from there.
The Sabres cut the lead later on in the second period thanks to Jochen Hect snap shot. Then came white-knuckle time as Jason Pominville put the away side within one with a little over 10 minutes remaning in the final frame.
Contrary to recent form, the Leafs actually picked themselves up as the game tightened. Jason Blake flew in on goal after beating a Sabres' pinch and finished with aplomb, as the Leafs re-gained control of the game and escaped the collapse.
Confidence is a key factor in a season of so many ups and downs. The Leafs appear to be playing a little more sure of themselves and each other. Once again, they're back to treading the waters of mediocrity.
Now its a question as to whether or not the bleak possibility of 2 games of playoff revenue over-powers the decision makers' seldom-used logic.
******
Second Intermission Scuttlebutt from CBC's hot-stove crew:
-Vancouver is the preferred destination in the Sundin camp
-The board is still fully committed to bringing in Cliff Fletcher by the end of next week
-JFJ has been demanding a very pricey return for the Big Swede
-JFJ is high on forward Fabian Brunnstrom of the SEL's Farjestad.. 30 pts in 36 games... 5 other teams also in the sweepstakes. Brunnstrom has been labeled the next Daniel Alfredsson by Ken Campbell of The Hockey News.
********
[email protected] 
Join the Discussion:
»