WASHINGTON (Mar. 2) -- Yes, we've seen this act before from the Toronto Maple Leafs. In each of the past two seasons, to be precise. A 4-0-1 surge in their five games this week has the Maple Leafs thinking seriously about making the playoffs, but the same thoughts were conveyed to reporters during the late, fruitless runs of 2006 and 2007. Only time will tell if the ending is the same this spring, but credit is due the Leafs for showing spunk and pride during one of the most unique circumstances in recent club history.
The current general manager -- Cliff Fletcher -- refuses to be hoodwinked by this latest rally, and will spend the bulk of his efforts in the summer trying to tear down and re-shape the roster. He made that clear a few days ago when he uttered a remark that could stand alongside "draft schmaft" in Fletcher lore -- insisting that "whether we miss the playoffs by three points, or make it by three points, the team will look much different at the start of next season." Is it possible that Paul Maurice and the players are using that comment as a bit of incentive right now? Having been asked to waive his no-trade clause -- vehemently against his wishes -- is Mats Sundin figuratively sticking the puck down the Silver Fox's throat with his lights-out effort? Or, is this all just another bluff on behalf of the Blue & White? Like I said, only time will tell.
But, let's make a few things perfectly clear (Cripes, I'm sounding like Richard Nixon -- sitting, here, five blocks from the White House). First, the Leafs have again ventured far beyond any position that will land them a top draft choice this spring. As such, fans of the club -- pragmatic and realistic as I've ever seen them -- might as well put all of their energies into rooting for a playoff spot. What a waste it would be for the team to expend this late-season effort and finish ninth or 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Second, big-time kudos must be handed to Maurice, Sundin, and Vesa Toskala. No Leaf coach in recent memory has found himself in purgatory like Maurice. He understands his chances of returning to the team are almost nil, yet he's found a way to rise above his lame-duck status and -- most importantly -- convince his players they should still put out for him. That's no easy task. When a new GM is hired this summer, Maurice will almost certainly be shown the door, but my sense is he won't be out of work for long. Other teams are undoubtedly taking note of this difficult situation, and how the team is responding. It will allow Paul, without question, to coach again in the NHL.
Sundin has been a monster for the Leafs through most of the season, but he's a man possessed right now. Whether or not he's trying extra-hard to prove he made the right decision to stay is something he can't even figure. "I don't know if that has anything to do with it, but it's not a bad thing, that's for sure," said the captain after last night's triumph over the Washington Capitals. Sundin has eight points since he told the Leafs he will not waive his no-trade clause last Sunday. One can only imagine the number of contending teams that are drooling at the thought of having the big Swede in their line-up.
The Detroit Red Wings badly wanted Sundin, but player-turned-executive Steve Yzerman warned the Wings' hierarchy -- Ken Holland, Jim Nill, Scotty Bowman, Jim Devellano et al -- that Mats would more than likely remain with the Leafs, and that doggedly pursuing him would be a waste of time. Yzerman's perspective as a player who remained with one team for his entire career convinced him that Sundin was not blowing smoke when he talked about retiring in blue and white. Stevie Y was correct.
And, has there been a better goalie in the NHL the past month than Toskala? I think not. When netminders speak about being in a "zone", they play as Toskala is right now... with great anticipation; an ability to remain square to the shooter, and a hint of cockiness that serves most puck-stoppers very well. Vesa has it all at the moment, and he provides the Leafs with a solid-to-spectacular foundation moving forward.
Whether that move involves the playoffs this spring is immaterial to the GM, but it seems to be the resolve of all those in the dressing room.
As we speak, anyway.
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