With Four Losses To Spare, Playoffs Still Possible

For a team considered by many to be the youngest in the NHL, they recently started to play beyond their years.

In the previous ten games, the Maple Leafs have gone 6-1-3, with the regulation loss against the defending Stanley Cup champions Blackhawks.

Keeping matters in perspective, many fans and critics dismissed any chance the Leafs have at making the playoffs.  Although the playoffs are still not likely, the Maple Leafs have played better than anyone would have predicted.

With  16 games remaining and only 32 points up for grabs, to reach 90 points for the season the team can afford to lose 9 points (4 games and 1 OTL/SO).  With four weeks remaining, the Leafs can only lose one game per week.  This is how it breaks down.

WEEK March 7 - 13
Three games:
@ Islanders,      (must win)
VS Flyers,          (possible loss)
VS Sabres.         (must win)

WEEK March 14 - 20
Four Games:
VS Lightening   (must win)
@ Hurricanes    (must win)
@ Panthers       (possible win)
VS Bruins          (possible loss)

WEEK March 21- 27
@ Wild              (must win)
@ Avalanche   (must win)
@ Red Wings  (possible loss)

WEEK March 28 - 2
VS Sabres     (must win)
@ Bruins      (possible loss)
@ Senators  (possible Win)

To make matters interesting, should the Leafs lose but still acquire a point, the margin for error increases.  With every game being critical, if a win is not possible, the single point is mandatory.