Headed for the golf course...

are the Toronto Maple Leafs. After missing several chances to take care of business themselves, they had to wait for the New Jersey Devils to help them sneak in the back door of the playoffs. And as might be expected, that help was not to arrive. I give the Devils full marks for making a game of it and sending the game to a shootout. But the Leafs played the same Islanders last week and lost the game that might have eliminated the Islanders before today. And then there was the game in Buffalo where they blew a 4-1 lead in the third period. And to add to the list, there was Toronto's woeful record in shootouts. Ah well, there is nothing that can be done about it now and it is time to either enjoy the playoffs or move on to other things.

Happy Easter.

Go Devils Go!

I hate that the Maple Leafs didn't take advantage of their opportunities in the last couple of weeks to make the playoffs on their own. They caused countless cases of heartburn and ulcers with their performance tonight yet somehow managed to blow a 3-1 lead and then overcome a 5-3 deficit to win 6-5. Now they have to hope that the New Jersey Devils win on Sunday afternoon against the New York Islanders. It must be a helpless feeling knowing your playoff fate is being decided by 40 other men who are about 1200 kilometres away from you. For the next 24 hours, I am a fan of the New Jersey Devils. I hope Lou Lamierello starts his best lineup especially Martin Brodeur in net.

Until then I am going to enjoy the last installment of the 2006-2007 Battle of Alberta.