from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,
Who knew Tuesday night's Ducks-Leafs game would bring together the two hottest teams in the NHL? Well, that the NHL-leading Ducks have won seven straight is no surprise at all, given that they were a popular preseason pick to contend after winning the Pacific Division in the regular season last year. But the Maple Leafs? They've gone 9-1-1 since being crushed 9-2 at home by Nashville back on Nov. 18.
They've had terrific special teams and solid goaltending, but what's really caught everyone's attention here is the depth of their balanced attack. That Joffrey Lupul is playing on the third line right now underscores that depth. The second line led by center Nazem Kadri, playing between Daniel Winnik and Mike Santorelli, has been sensational.
The Leafs are now right there with Tampa Bay, Detroit and Montreal in the fight for the Atlantic Division lead. Putting away points in the standings during this stretch might have saved their season, given that the Leafs depart for a seven-game road trip starting Sunday in Chicago as the world junior championships take over the Air Canada Centre.
read on for Burnside on the Lightning, Custance on the Oilers and Strang on Slava Voynov...
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