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

Playoff Run Over: Leafs Lose 4-2 In Motown

After winning the first two games of the three game road trip, the Leafs needed to win to keep pace with the red hot Buffalo Sabres.  But Saturday night they faced a team they should aspire to being as the Detroit Red Wings showed why they are one of the class teams of the league by defeating the Leafs 4-2 at the Joe Louis Arena.

One of the most glaring differences between these two teams were on display: the power play.  The Red Wings scored twice on the power play with the ever present Tomas Holmstrom being a key factor.  His presence in front of the net caused all kinds of problems for James Reimer.  Meanwhile, the Leafs were 0-4 on the power play.  This has been a continuous problem all season long and one that needs to be addressed in the off season if the Leafs are to be a playoff team next year.

The Red Wings seemed to be in control throughout the game.  It looked like the Leafs were going to pull it out when they tied the score at two with a goal from Joffrey Lupul.  But 38 seconds later the Red Wings took the lead that ultimately sealed the Leafs fate for this season.

While mathematically they are still alive, the Leafs would have to win all of their remaining six games which would give them 12 points.  The Sabres, who have 7 games remaining, would have to go 2-5 for the Leafs to pass them.  With Ryan Miller in net, a 2-5 end of the season record seems highly unlikely.

The Leafs need to send a message for next season to their QEW rival on Tuesday by going after the Sabres.  While they may not make the playoffs, they need to continue to build the foundation for next season.  The construction continues on Tuesday at the ACC against Buffalo.