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

Leafs Win, Yankee Season Opens

The Toronto Maple Leafs ended their home season with a 3-2 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The victory completed a four game sweep over the Bolts this season. If the season ended today, the Leafs would have the 6th pick in the draft barring any movement as a result of the lottery. It is still possible with a loss in Montreal on Saturday that they could end up in the top 5.

Some will call me a half glass-full type of guy, but since the Flyer beat down last Thursday night, the Leafs have played with a lot more purpose. They could have very easily won both of the games against the Sabres and last night they could have folded their tents after Steven Stamkos' 59th goal of the season gave Tampa a 2-1 lead in the third period. Despite all of the naysayers out there, these last 3 games may show some promise to build on. Ben Scrivens has given the Leafs an opportunity to win all 3 of these games. The kid was the AHL Player of the Month for March and is the leading goalie in the AHL. I'm not suggesting as a result of this that the Leafs shouldn't get a veteran goalie. But Scrivens does provide some competition for James Reimer and also provides the Leafs with a valuable chip that they might be able to use in order to get a veteran goalie from a team that currently has 2 capable NHL netminders.

The play of Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner also provides hope for next season. Frattin seems to be playing with a lot more confidence since being placed on the first line with Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel. I've always liked this kid. He's not afraid to use his body and he has a scoring touch as proven by his goal in Buffalo. It's a question of confidence and he seems to be getting it. There's not much more I can say about Jake Gardiner. I've been high on him since training camp. He needs to use his skating ability to create scoring chances and he has really exhibited that all season but particularly in these last 3 games. The AHL Playoffs could go a long way in the learning process for Frattin, Gardiner and Scrivens.

It could be that Randy Carlyle's message may be sinking through to some of these players. I have also been impressed with Phil Kessel's play these last 3 games. Kessel will never be a defensive stalwart. But these last 3 games he has played with a purpose and has generated scoring chances. The key for him will be to maintain that purpose against teams like Philly, Boston and the Rangers. It's unfortunate that this guy will probably never be accepted in Toronto because of the trade that was made to acquire him. He is the most talented player the Leafs have had since Mats Sundin.

Saturday is the end of the season as they will take on the Canadiens in Montreal. It's been a really difficult time for Leaf Nation since February 6th. Next week I will give you my thoughts on what the Leafs should do heading into what will be one of the most important off season for Brian Burke and Company.
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The New York Yankees will open up their 2012 season today as they face the Tampa Rays at Tropicana Field. CC Sabathia will be on the mound and the Rays will counter with James Shields. These two teams along with Boston will be battling all summer. Throw in the improved Blue Jays and the AL East will be tougher than ever. Yankee fans need to realize that the month of April will not be easy as the Yanks will have 15 of their first 23 games against the Rays, Angels, Red Sox, Rangers and Tigers. All of those teams are AL contenders.

For the Yankees it will come down to pitching and their older players being healthy. The quest for Number 28 will not be easy. So let the journey begin!!!!