The last time the Leafs were in the playoffs it ended in a whirlwind of terribleness with the Bruins storming from behind to take the series in heartbreaking fashion...I couldn't help but feel last night's stunning come-from-behind victory versus the current Cup Champs with all the pressure on the line was the hockey universe correcting itself.

I am sure if I did a survey asking which game was more impactful on Leaf fans the Bruins loss would probably still win out, but maybe, just maybe, it shouldn't.

That loss was devastating, but that Leafs team was NOTHING like this Leafs team. What you witnessed last night was the ending of the re-birth of a Maple Leafs team with everything going for it with a foundation which is so much stronger than the Leaf's team that blew that lead to the Bruins. This is entirely better. In every way.

I am sure those who were lucky enough to witness last night's comeback are in a fantastic mood...and by the way, as happy as you all are I am sure you are just a little bit extra happy because with a point today the Leafs can push you into third, FAR away from the Capitals...and the team that will be pushed to the Capitals....The Boston Bruins...

Oh, and two more thoughts the Hockey Gods were behind this....

#1.. Remember when Roenick scored that infamous goal for the Flyers that eliminated the Leafs way back when in the playoffs? Remember the Flyer who was crushed and crawling to the bench as that goal was being scored? I will give you a hint...His son scored his first NHL goal last night to tie the game at 3...

#2. Right before that goal, with the Leafs trailing 3-2, a huge defensive block on a Mark Streit shot occured when Boyle, who many thought should never have been acquired, not only blocked the shot but controlled the puck and fed it up ice so that Kapanan could have his moment...

Hockey God stuff right out of the movies...

The FINAL, FINAL Projected Standings...and thoughts on the experiment..

Ok, I ALWAYS admitted it was an experiment in beta and at times our final projected standings were impressive and at times they were just terrible...

It was a BIG learning experience for sure and I have tons of notes that should help make next year's edition way better... I also need to automate more of it so I won't be able to make basic copy and paste errors...That process is already under way.

On a nightly basis the games projections themselves were "ok" but after a 17-0 start I was quickly put into my place and I realized there is a reason why you should NEVER bet on hockey game outcomes...(The only hockey gambling I have ever done is fan duel) Hockey games are so dependent on so many factors...and way more than any other major sport hockey can be wildly unpredictable...

I took 12 factors that I think go into determining the outcome of games and now the challenge is looking at the data and figuring out how important each of those factors really are so I can weigh them accordingly next year. My lovely pHd wife set this up so that we can easily analyze the twelve factors i gave her and we will look and see just how important each is. To be totally honest, what I enjoyed the most about this experiment was working with my wife on this and the fact that she was way more interested in talking hockey results as a result of being invested in this experiment. So if you are looking to get your significant other more interested in hockey...this might be worth a shot!

Finally, I wanted to thank you all for taking part in this beta and giving your input. I have received so many great ideas and comments regarding this thing...good and evil...and I am not a person who takes any of it personally...I believe there is always so much room to grow. I started this for two reasons...

#1. I always wondered what "should" happen the rest of the way based on strength of schedule and matchups. Telling me a "percentage chance" of a team making the playoffs doesn't feel as real as looking at a Projected Final Standing...Do you agree?

#2. I wanted something fun for you all to fill time during the most boring part of the hockey rumor year...the time between the trade deadline and the playoffs..As the playoffs begin now, the rumors will really ramp up again, and for all of you with teams NOT in the playoffs I will focus on your teams starting this week. The Vegas factor has really made it all the more interesting as well...

I am so ready for the excitement of the first round of the playoffs and getting back to RUMORS.

What's the Buzz?

How about you?
Did you enjoy the Final Projected Standings?
Are you psyched for the first round?

Here are your FINAL, FINAL Projected Standings and your Picks for this last day of the NHL Regular Season...



Tomorrow, I will put one more projection out there and begin my predictions for the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs... Can't wait.

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