tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Leafs 5 for 5 On PK, Win 7-3 Over Tampa Bay

Well, it appears that the old adage, "practice makes perfect", rang true last night as the Toronto Maple Leafs killed off all 5 Tampa Bay power plays (including a 45 second 5 on 3) on their way to a big 7-3 win at Air Canada Center. Monday, the Leafs had an intense practice that focused on the penalty kill, blocking shots and an acknowledgement that they needed to be more aggressive and physical. Last night, the Leafs did all of that and it proved to be successful.

Seven different Leafs scored, with two coming on the power play and Joffrey Lupul notched four points with a goal and three assists. But in the end it was all about the penalty killing that has Leaf fans hopeful. There was a marked difference in strategy as the Leafs were aggressive in the neutral zone and were in fact blocking shots. David Steckel and Darryl Boyce played like they were possessed and that is what is needed from your penalty killing unit.

The victory gives the Leafs 43 points, one point behind Washington and New Jersey who occupy the 7th and 8th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The standings are so tight that the Leafs are only three points behind 5th place Pittsburgh. Last night was a great start to a critical part of the season with 9 of the next 12 games at home. Thursday night Winnipeg comes to the ACC and the Leafs are currently tied with the Jets. Winnipeg plays tonight in Montreal so they will head into Toronto at the end of a back-to-back situation. The Leafs will need to take advantage of that and avenge their loss on New Year's Eve to the Jets.
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Here is what's coming up: Thursday: Recap of my NFL Picks, Friday: Leaf Recap & Playoff Game Picks, and Sunday: Analysis of Mike Holmgren/Tom Heckert's end of the season press conference.