The frenzy has settled from free agency, trades are at a trickle, it’s vacation time across the NHL. That makes it a good time to take a look around the Eastern Conference and evaluate each team and the chance it has of claiming one of the same eight playoff spots open to the Red Wings.
Today’s focal point: The Toronto Maple Leafs
RECENT NOTABLE DOINGS:Added forwards Shawn Matthias, Daniel Winnik, P.A. Parenteau, Nick Spaling, Kasperi Kapanen, defenseman Matt Hunwick. Subtracted forward Phil Kessel.
ANALYSIS: The Maple Leafs disappointed their eternally patient fans with another stinker of a season in which they won only nine games after Jan.