Saturday, January 20, 2007

Game #46 - vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs (22-20-6, 50 pts) at Pittsburgh Penguins (20-17-8, 48 pts)

Tonight is H-U-G-E. The Pens can finish up the first half with a flourish by beating the Leafs and possibly earning a tie for the 8th and final playoff spot. It would be a great statement for this team to be that close to playoff position with the All Star break upon us. I'm not sure any of us actually thought this was a playoff team (though I'm sure we were all hoping).

Anyway, about tonight: Toronto is one of those odd teams that has a winning record on the road and a losing record at home. Since losing to the Pens at the Igloo back on December 29th, they've rattled off 4 straight road wins, though they're just 1-3-1 at home in that stretch.

The power play for the Leafs has been struggling, scoring just two goals in the last 5 games. Their PK has been uneven as well, allowing NINE goals over that same stretch, though none in their last two games. The Pens need to exploit the special teams. They need to get some power play goals against the Leafs, because at even strength, the Leafs are pretty good.

Leafs Blog - you know, there are a ton of these guys out there, but most of them haven't posted in over a week! Slackers! I'll point you again to Battle of Ontario, a Leafs - Sens blog. Nothing specific about tonight, but a good read overall.

I'm looking for a hard fought game with someone shadowing Mats Sundin all night - that guy kills Penguins for a living.

Let's Go Pens!

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