Ft. Lauderdale: What comes to mind, other than getting ready for a hockey game?

The Panthers had spent the past 48 hours prepping for the Leafs, mentally.  This is literally for the last playoff spot, since the other division will get both wildcards, with their higher point totals.  The Leafs spent the past 48 hours doing Tequila body-slams, and attending wet T-shirt contests.

Kyle Dubas was scribbling furiously up in his box, as if a spreadsheet could cure what ailed the team tonight.  What he should have done is made a note not to allow more time in Florida next time.  That's something you should earn, when you've showed you can come back and play hard after enjoying yourself for a couple of days.

The Leafs managed to score 4, after the game was out of reach, and the shot totals were not unkind to the Leafs.  But the apathy about picking up your man down low, not pinching when the outcome is in doubt, and taking away the passing lanes, was unworthy of anyone paid to play the game.

As a result, they're in a dogfight now, with three more games against Florida, who has a game in hand.  There won't be a wild-card for the loser of this matchup, either, so this is for the last playoff spot.