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Well, it's been a few days since the beloved Leafs had their season ended by the Flyers. I've adjusted to my Leafless existence. But there is a void that cannot be filled. I am now (until next year) a hockey fan without a team to cheer for.
Anyway, getting back to my assessment of the series. I think the Leafs deserved a better fate. Outside of the 7-2 drubbing, they played as well as or better than the Flyers in every game. Belfour wasn't quite as spectacular, which could have been the difference. The last game was a heart breaker for Leaf fans. We go down 2-0 in the first period and Philly has entered into their defensive posture. Things weren't looking great when the second period ended with the score intact. Then, Pilar (pronounced Pee-lash) scores and we have a new game on our hands. Sundin follows later with a goal to tie it up and the crowd is going crazy. The Flyers can't seem to get anything going on a consistent basis and the Leafs are still pressuring on almost every shift. Tie Domi, who I think played the best hockey of his career, was all over the ice. With about a minute left a pass came out front to Domi, and Esche had to make a HUGE save to keep the game going.
Off to overtime.
For some reason, the Leafs seemed to throw caution to the wind, perhaps sensing they had Philly on the ropes. One two on one was given up and turned aside and then the Leafs headed up the ice for a chance. Philly gets the puck back and another two on one begins. I said, at that very moment, "Man, you guys are giving up too many two on ones!" Seconds later, Roenick shoots the puck over Belfour for the series ending goal. Great sadness filled the Leaf Nation.
In retrospect, Toronto had a great season with a franchise record number of points and a first round playoff win they had no business pulling off given the injuries they had sustained. There's one thing you can always count on with the Leafs in the playoffs and that is heart. It's not always there in the regular season but come playoff time it is very evident.
So what will happen next year? Well, Pat Quinn will be back as coach. I think that is a good move. Even if you think he should be let go after 6 seasons there, he is still under contract until the end of next year. Why pay him and another coach when there just might be a lockout/strike next year? He's a great coach, with faults. His main fault is his seemingly unwavering faith in some of his players. Even when they are playing very poorly. I won't get into names, but if you follow the Leafs just a bit you will know the players I am referring to.
Player changes? Probably via retirement, or the team not extending a contract offer. I would say Francis, Reichel, Renberg, Berehowsky, and Johansson will be gone next year. Probably one or two others. I do believe that they must re-sign Belfour because none of their backups are ready for the lead role yet. Roberts, Nieuwendyk, and Klee are bigger question marks. I think Roberts has lost a step. Nieuwendyk can still play when healthy and Klee's demands will be higher this year. If Roberts and Nieuwendyk play for less it would be a steal and an easy decision. I think Klee should get a bigger offer, however he is about to undergo knee surgery which often can set a player back a fair bit. How much depends on the player. The Leaf draft prospects at this moment are bleak. They won't pick until the third round, at which time, little will be left except perhaps a long shot diamond in the rough.
As for the rest of the hockey playoffs, I'll watch it here and there. There is still a Shark fan in the house so I may quietly root for them. Both series that are left do look like very interesting match ups and should provide some very entertaining hockey. Go Sharks Go!!!
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