Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire ” proudly sponsored by Pete’s Auto Body.
Pete’s Auto Body; because we care about our community……
It’s Hockey Night in Toronto tonight as the Maple Leafs host the Calgary Flames in the opener of a 2 game set on back-to-back nights.
As we tiptoe into the early stages of the 2nd half of the condensed NHL season, these two games are pivotal for both clubs.
The Leafs, after a blazing start to the season, have lost their last 2 outings and have been beaten in 5 of their last 6
Toronto’s last win in regulation time was a 6-1 win at Edmonton that may have represented the climax of the Leafs season as they completed a convincing sweep of the Oilers.
But the Oilers and Winnipeg Jets have hung in there and Toronto’s once comfortable cushion atop the North Division exists no longer.
As for Calgary, the Flames are coming off a lopsided 7-3 loss to Edmonton which snapped their 3 game win streak under new coach Darryl Sutter.
In the NHL North, Calgary currently is 6th, 3 points back of Montreal for the final playoff spot, albeit, the Habs have played 1 less game.
So the two game set in Toronto between the Leafs and Calgary gives Toronto the opportunity to hold off the contenders and also gives Calgary the chance to pull closer in the chase for space in the playoffs.
Conversely, the dilemma for the Leafs is they’re dangerously close to being bypassed atop the North and the issue for the Flames is they are somewhat fragile in terms of a post season spot.
Calgary at Toronto tonight & tomorrow
Have a great weekend.
For Pete’s Auto Body I’m Fred Wallace