After a streak of four straight wins and five wins in six games, the Toronto Maple Leafs have dropped two straight: first against the Phoenix Coyotes, then against the Calgary Flames.
The Maple Leafs' recent four-game win streak was their second of the season—the first came in the first four games. After that, they lost 11 of their next 12 games. Now, with two consecutive losses already in the books, the Maple Leafs need a win, quick.
However, things won't be getting any easier.
Only two of the Maple Leafs' next five games will be played at home, with meetings against the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals. The other three teams in that five game span are the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Their last two games—against Carolina and Tampa Bay—and first two games—against New York and Anaheim—will be played on back-to-back nights. Overall, it is a span of five games in seven days.
Only one of those teams (Carolina) currently sits outside of a playoff spot, and even they are only one point out with a record of 22-16-6. The other four teams, Anaheim, ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Lukas Hardonk
Next 5 Games Will Be a Major Test for the Toronto Maple Leafs
January 16th, 2011 by Lukas Hardonk Leave a reply »
Advertisement