A week ago, it was the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs had just lost to a 42-year-old emergency backup goalie, Florida was right on their tail, and their overall play was troubling at best.
To make matters worse, the Leafs had a tough week ahead — or so it seemed — with visits to Tampa Bay and Florida followed by a home game against Vancouver — all teams with realistic playoff aspirations this year. Florida, in particular, has had their number recently, too.
It wasn’t always pretty, but that’s what made the victories sweeter.