With a 10-2-4 record since the All-Star break, the Toronto Maple Leafs have gradually climbed the NHL standings to the point that the Blue and White now have a legitimate chance of making the playoffs.
When I look back at my own preseason predictions, the Maple Leafs are exactly where I thought they would be at this point in the season (around 20th overall and within striking distance of a playoff spot).
For the Leafs Nation, the majority of the 2010-11 season has been marred by letdowns. But an infusion of youth, a capable goaltender and a little luck now have fans, players and management singing a different tune.
Gone are the calls for head coach Ron Wilson to be fired and, if I didn’t know any better, it appears as if the media and fans have stopped calling for general manager Brian Burke’s head for trading away two first-round picks and a second-round pick in return for the suddenly "do no wrong" Phil Kessel.
Winning is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it is never easy. The Maple Leafs are no exception to this rule. The Buds' recent success has been contingent on a number of good fortunes, including in ...
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Article written by Mark Ritter
Toronto Maple Leafs: Surging Buds Have a Shot at Making the NHL Playoffs
March 4th, 2011 by Mark Ritter Leave a reply »
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