Leafs playoff Hope's Continue with Win over Flyers

With the Leafs 3-2 win last night over the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Flyers, the Leafs are inching closer to the final playoffs spot, currently held by the New York Rangers. Last night's win in the "City of Brotherly Love" was their first since March 12 2008, it was also their first game since trading former Leaf Kris Versteeg their for a couple of picks in this up coming draft.

The scoring got started by none other than Versteeg, who scored his first goal against him former team and his second in a Flyers uniform. Mike Richards and Chris Pronger were credited with the assists. The goal was scored shortly after the game began.

Seconds later the Leafs were able to get on the scoreboard when Nikolai Kulemin tipped in a Clarke MacArthur shot pass Sergei Bobrovsky. The goal was Kulemin's 24th of the season, while the assist was Macarthur's team leading 31st of the campaign.

After 1 complete period it was all tied up at 1.

Early in the second period it would be Versteeg who would once again haunt his former squad, as he reclaimed the lead for the Flyers' off a nice pass by Richards. That goal would be his 17th of the season. Richards and Matt Carle earned assists on the play.

As the second period was about to end, with both teams serving penalties, Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf tied the game at two, after banging a rebound home. His goal was just his fourth of the season. Mikhail Grabovski and Kulemin got assists on the play.

In the third period with less than five minutes play in the third, it looked like the Leafs were going to be going into extra time once again. But Daryll Boyce was able to score on a wrap around after battling hard in the Flyer's corner for the puck. His goal was his fourth of the season and gave the leafs the edge. Colby Armstrong and Phaneuf were credited with assists.

The Leafs were able to survive several attacks by the Flyers and hold onto the 3-2 win, thanks to some phenomial saves by James Reimer. Reimer stopped 28 of 30 shots to pick up the win and now lead the team in wins.

By now you've got to think that James Reimer could be a clear canadite for the Calder Trophy, after last night's win he now spots a record of 12-4-3 and 2 shutouts which is unbelievable.

With the win the Leafs are now 3 points behind the struggling Rangers who have lost 3 straight and are barely holding onto the 8th and final playoff spot. Also last night the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabers squared off with the Hurricanes beating the Sabers 3-2 in overtime. With the win it puts the Hurricanes 4 points ahead of the Leafs, and with Buffalo picking up the extra point in extra time it puts them 1 point ahead of the Leafs with the Leafs playing 2 more games extra compared to the Sabers.

The Leafs are back in action tomorrow as they return home and get set to host the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Chicago Blackhawks.


GO LEAFS GO