No Lead is Safe

Leaf fans can attest to that after that terrible third period they played on Thursday.

It is one of the great things about the re-birth of the NHL. Teams are never out of a game, no matter the goal differential. I used to be a big fan of the grinding style of play we saw just a few years back, but in 2001, a two goal lead in the third was money in the bank. Heck, a two goal lead in the second period and it was pretty much game over as the opposing team would simply throw a blanket over the other team in the neutral zone.

Not in the 'new' NHL. The Leafs, not used to playing with a lead over the past season or so, clearly gave a demonstration in what not to do with a lead. They should have kept blasting Marty with pucks, they should have kept skating... but they choose to sit back, taking a number of stupid penalties. Throw in some non-stellar work between the pipes from Aubin, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Calgary tonight, which should be a real barn-burner in terms of energy and atmosphere. Man do I wish the Leafs had Iginla...