Vesa Toskala Is Key to the Toronto Maple Leafs' Playoff Hopes

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter Normally, I scoff at articles that are written prematurely but, for the sake of creating some debate, I will make an exception.The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to make the playoffs this season. How do you like them apples Hab fans?When you look closely at the NHL’s Eastern Conference there are a few teams that will be a “lock” to make the playoffs. The “Fab five” of the East, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Carolina Hurricanes should all be there.Do the math, that’s five teams making the playoffs. That leaves three spots for the other 10 teams to fight over. The Leafs have a good chance of locking up one of those spots.Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has made substantial changes to his less than stellar roster from 2008-09. Francois Beauchemin was brought in to be a veteran presence on defense. Mike Komisarek was signed ...