The standings are real tight still. The Leafs after this big win, are 1 point behind Montreal for 2nd in the division, but are only up 6 points on Detroit, which is more or less the cut off point for the playoffs. Anything could happen still, don't look back at who is gaining on you, just look forward.
Has every game the Leafs played after the break been an one goal game? Seems that way. This team will be better when Bolland returns. He does not have to get many points, as long he helps defensively. The tying goals by Phildelphia, twice in the 3rd period, weren't like glaring defensive breakdowns, but at the same time, no one made a play. Someone has to make a play once in a while to win. Lets see if Bolland can do that for the Leafs.
Kadri will get 20 goals this year. That got me thinking. They were going to run this guy out of town. Sometimes, you got to think people, espeically the media, know shit nothing about hockey. At least we can listen to Don Cherry. He may be old, but he still know hockey.
How many Leafs centers other than Mats Sundin, has scored 20 goals lately for the Leafs?
I was thinking, Eddie Ochych? Russ Courtnell? That is going back a couple of generations of Leafs players. Even Sundin is a generation back. Then I remember Mikal Groborski scored 20 goals for the Leafs, but they ran him out of town. Groborski was not that bad, but without the free-wheeling style of coach Ron Wilson, would Garborski score 20 goals for Carlsysle? This year in Washington, Garborski has 12 goals and 21 assits for 33 points, not bad, but Kadri is having a better year.
The most improved player this season, I would say Bozak. More points, and has shown more of a complete game, which I certainly did not see coming. That is why I would think it is important to try to keep Bolland around. Bozak and Kadri can maybe watch and learn. Would have Chicago won two cups without Bolland? Lets remember Chicago had to beat some real good teams just to get to the finals.
I always like Phaneufs game, even thought there are much better skaters in the NHL. There he was, three time trading punches in the front of the goal with the other teams players after the whistle. Then he sets up the winner, after Kadri sets him up down low. Entertaining game tonight.