Dream or Nightmare?

Unsure of what to think about the Leafs' chances of making it into the playoffs this year? Me too.

Results have stopped going our way as of late. Toronto has had destiny in its own hands as long as it continues to win, but a loss against the Blackhawks in tandem with results in other barns that didn't coalesce well with the Leafs moving up from 10 spot, has left the playoff surge without power.

A stupid, stupid overtime loss to the Islanders has really puffed out any last dregs of reality that remained and most Leaf fans and supporters will be looking at the free agent market and the likelihood of passing a top 6 pick on to Boston.

A loss to the Hawks is understandable. They are the defending champs and their team is still loaded with talent despite the fact that the majority of their character players now live and work in Atlanta. Chicago's top six forwards are the envy of most in the league, and they made Toronto work harder than most of the opponents before them.

The Leafs continue to give up soft goals, to make bad passes that are practically telegraphed for opposing forwards coming out of the defensive zone, and have displayed poor neutral zone play. Fixing that and not relying solely on a rookie goaltender who has managed to keep them in or around the win column for the past 10 weeks isn't cutting it. They must be better.

The Islanders game would have been viewed by most as imminently winnable, a phrase I like to throw around from time to time because it deals with the realities of facing clubs that are in a more vulnerable position, versus those who are in a true playoff battle and racing against time and form to have home ice advantage or avoid a tougher first round opponent.

Regardless of results and scoreboard watching, the Leafs have about a 10% chance of making the playoffs despite the fact that they have played well lately.

Toronto's next match is against Philly, who are officially off the schneid and will be looking to stay ahead of the Penguins that are suddenly learning how to play without their stars.

In other notes, I'd like to say a brief word about the Pacioretty/Chara incident. I saw it, and from what I can see it's just Chara finishing his check and Pacioretty had two things going against him: his speed at the time, and the size and strength of Chara. Lessen either one of the two and suddenly you're not looking at a concussion, but a couple of games in the press box with 'upper body soreness.'

In the meantime, enjoy the hockey that comes your way. Most games have a playoff atmosphere to them, especially in the West where the brand of hockey played is better quality. In particular I would suggest watching or finding a live stream for Chicago vs. Tampa, Detroit vs. Los Angeles, or Calgary vs. Dallas.

Have a nice evening.