Ride Captain Ride

Facing another must win game to tie their Eastern Conference semi final series at two wins each, the Maple Leafs did not back down from their latest challenge. Mats Sundin, who has improved steadily with each game he has played in since returning to the lineup, was tonight’s catalyst as he netted two goals and came a crossbar from getting a hat trick. After his team fell down to an early one goal deficit, Sundin picked his teammates up on his back and as any captain should, he carried his team to victory.

The Leafs got another strong contribution from their grinders, role players and foot soldiers as they were able to maintain a solid forecheck and a good physical effort throughout the game. Darcy Tucker scored his second goal in two games and seems to be getting his scoring touch back. One of the key factors for the Leafs tying this series has been the good effort from these aforementioned groups of players. The Leafs, especially in the last two games, have been getting secondary scoring from players like Ponikarovsky, Tucker, Domi and Kilger to help complement the always strong outputs from players like Mogilny and Sundin. Conversely, the Flyers have not been getting much scoring from anybody and this includes their big scorers like Recchi, Roenick, Primeau, Handzus and LeClair.

Ed Belfour had a strong game as usual for the Leafs as he made numerous key saves to keep the Leafs in the game early on in the first period. After falling down 1-0, Belfour made a remarkable save by reaching back behind his body and saving the day for the Maple Leafs when a second Flyers goal may have put the Leafs in a hole too deep to climb out.

The Leafs will now travel to Philadelphia for game five on Sunday afternoon. The Leafs must win a game in Philadelphia in order to advance past the Flyers so logically, it would be best if the Leafs won game five and returned home in a position to finish the Flyers off.