pulling it out

The Leafs somehow managed to pull out a huge win last night to eliminate the Habs from the playoff race. The win came despite the fact that the Leafs looked less than convincing in the second period when they let the Canadien's score four goals, inlcluding a hat-trick from Michael Ryder. Rayzor looked ugly in the second and subsequently was pulled in favour of Jean-Sebastien Aubin. Aubin was good for the remainder of the game, but he did not have to face too much in the way of shots. I will admit that the Leafs looked like they were done in the second and showed admirable grit and character in coming back to win the game. The power play picked the perfect moment to make its reappearance--they got a couple PP goals, one from McCabe to tie the game and one from Wellwood, off a deflection of a Kaberle slapshot from the blueline, that managed to find its way behind Cristobal Huet.

However, now the Leafs must pray that the Devils are able to put away the Islanders this afternoon so that the Leafs clinch the eighth playoff spot. We will have to wait and see what happens down in the swamp!