With playoff chances merely a dream, the Toronto Maple Leafs are simply acting in the role of spoiler as they play out the remaining games of the season before they take in the post-season play from the comfort of their own homes.
Its not a position any player wants to be in come the final months of the year, but for a Leafs team that is becoming more and more used to this sort of thing, it's a tough pill to swallow as they play out the string of games that matter the most for the majority of their opponents.
But this isn't a time for the players to simply pack it in and coast through the final umpteen games; they can't afford to do that. With Brian Burke watching from above, keeping a keen eye on the performance of every individual wearing a Leafs jersey, they're playing for jobs next season at this point.
This, wins could be more important than those on the outside may think. No GM likes losing, but the only thing worse than that is a team gives up. That's one thing that'll get you a one-way ticket out of Toronto.
So with the young Leafs club still worrying about playing at their best, it will be interesting to see how things play out as April peeks around the corner. And ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Jon Neely
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March 10th, 2010 by Jon Neely Leave a reply »
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