The Toronto Maple Leafs have seventeen games left in the regular season and are one point behind the Islanders for the final wildcard spot, and just two points back of the Boston Bruins with a game in hand.

The race is tight, a little too tight for my heart rate but I like it!

Last night was forty minutes of domination by the Leafs. The second period Detroit didn’t register a shot on net until the last few minutes of the period; it was all blue and white. With 38 seconds left in the second, Gustav Nyquist buried one giving the Red Wings some hope as they headed to the dressing room down 3-1.

As we have seen all season the young Leafs team seems to struggle in the third period and last night was no different. It was just 36 seconds into the third period and boom, Nyquist scores again, getting the Wings within one goal; suddenly we Leafs fans were getting a bit nervous.

The third was a bit more of a scramble for the Leafs as the Detroit applied some pressure and kept things interesting as the game wound down. All that mattered to me at the end of the day was a big two points for the Leafs and it’s time to prepare for tomorrow night’s game now.

Mitch Marner continues to rack up the assists as he got a pair in last night’s battle, bringing him up to an impressive 37 assists on the season. He really is a magician with the puck. The Leafs banged in another power play goal last night, giving them 45 total on the season and a solid 23% success rate.

Alexey Marchenko scored his first goal as a Maple Leaf and had another great chance to really stick it to his former team when he almost buried another rebound later in the game. It was nice to see some success from the blue line as it’s been somewhat stagnant lately.

What’s next?

The Leafs have a huge game on Thursday against Philadelphia who’s right behind them in the standings, two points back to be exact. So you can bet the Flyers will be flying as they have started to turn it up a notch since the return of Steve Mason to the crease. Last night they pounded the Sabres 6-3, the Buds are going to have to be prepared for a grueling battle if they want to come out on top.

Voracek leads the Flyers with 53 points, but it’s Wayne Simmonds who is the Leaf killer from what I remember. So typical, a Scarborough born player who wants to step it up when he plays in Toronto in front of his family and friends.

It’s almost stressful being in this position. I’m scoreboard watching, cheering on teams I dislike. Every goal is a big one right now, celebrate them all because with the season winding down and the playoff future being as close as it is; you will be missing Maple Leafs hockey when it’s gone. Keep positive and enjoy the ride, this is what it’s all about. There hasn’t been this much hope in Leafs Nation in ages, and to think most of the hype is coming from outstanding rookie sensations.

Shanahan has begun to pave the path of glory for the Leafs, saddle up it’s time to ride the boys into the playoffs.

I feel it, were going to squeak in there!!

Go Leafs Go!

Huge win last night!

Thanks for reading.

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