Break It Down

We are getting closer and closer to the NHL playoffs so here is a breakdown of the Leafs and what has been going on lately in the Eastern Conference.

Right now this is what the East is looking like

7th - NY Rangers (74pts)

8th - Buffalo (72pts)

----------------------------

9th - Carolina (71pts)

10th - Toronto (67pts)

11th - Atlanta (65pts)

12th - New Jersey (64pts)

Teams in action tonight are:

BUFFALO vs Pittsburgh (win would tie them with NYR)

TORONTO vs NY Islanders (win would bring them to 69pts but no movement)

NEW JERSEY vs Ottawa (win would put them in 11th)

With only 16 games left in the Leafs schedule and sitting 5 points out, these next 2 weeks are key. Their upcoming 7 games could very well make or break their playoff chance. If the Leafs want a shot then their going to have to WIN AT LEAST 4 of these games.

Next 7 -

Today vs NYI

10th vs Philly

12th vs Buffalo

14th vs Tampa

16th vs Carolina

17th vs Florida

19th vs Boston

Tonight - They should be able to beat the Islanders. When Roloson was in net for the Isles it seemed they always had Toronto's number. But the Leafs have managed to get a win vs NY in their last 2 meetings (which have been since Roloson was traded) and in the first meeting of the season the Leafs were able to steal a point.

Philly - This game is not a likely win but would be HUGE if Toronto does. The Flyers are on a 4 game lose streak and have loss 6 of their last 10. It would also be a big confidence boost to the boys if they can hold their own against a top team in the east.

Buffalo - The Sabres are winning the series 3-1 but this game is a must win for the Leafs. This is their chance to gain some big ground before going into 4 games over a 6 day span. 

Next Week - Toronto starts the week with Tampa and finishes with Boston, both these games are going to be tough but have the ability to be huge for their playoff push. Not only for the ground they could gain but for their confidence too. In the middle of the week the buds have back to back games vs Carolina and Florida. Both games are must wins. Their best chance to gain a playoff position is to beat one of the teams that stand in their way. With Florida dumping their team since the beginning of February, the Leafs have to win this one because if they don't then it's going to be a complete let down.

Some side notes are that the New Jersey Devils have this weird burst of energy and are on a 4 game win streak. Winning 9 of their last 10. Also the top 5 teams in the East are all very close together and can be changing every day. With that being said, 6th place Montreal is not far out of that group.

Sorry if some stuff was repetitive but I think this information can be both useful and interesting in a way.