Toronto. After a tumultuous season and a series of midseason trades that completely changed the team's fortunes, the Leafs are headed to the playoffs once again.
"It feels good", captain and Art Ross Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron said. "We fought hard all year, and we knew that we are good enough to make it to the dance. It's been a wild ride, but finally getting that 'X' beside our name ... it's a relief. It's going to be a challenge, but we're ready for it."
Rebounding in the second half of the season after a terrible start to the year has given the Leafs (40-32-10) a date with the number two seed in the East, the Philadelphia Flyers (50-26-6). And despite winning two of the three season games against Philly, the Leafs are well aware of their understog status ahead of their first round meeting.
"We're kind of embracing the underdog role", goaltender Steve Mason said. "It's similar to last year when we played the Bruins in the first round, and we really surprised some people. We want to repeat that. We don't want this run in the second half of the season to be in vain. We're ready."
