The Maple Leafs face another playoff hopeful opponent tonight, the Carolina Hurricanes. This is another must game for the Leafs. The Leafs are currently sitting in 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 82 points, but only 2 points back of the 8th placed Montreal Canadiens. Carolina and the NYI Islanders are also ahead of the Leafs by 2 points. The NY Rangers have been playing well of late and are sitting in 6th place with 87 points, only 5 points ahead of the Leafs.

The Leafs must win every game they play against the other playoff hopefuls. After tonights game, the Leafs will have 6 games remaining. They will face Rangers, Islanders and Canadiens before seasons end and the outcome of these games will most likely be the key to if they make the playoffs or if they don't. Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Philly are the other games.

Jeff O'Neill will be a healthy scratch again tonight. O'Neill hasn't scored in a month. John Pohl will be in the lineup again.

Sundin in one goal short of Darryl Sittlers' Toronto Maple Leaf record of 389.

Carolina is 4-0-1 in their last 5 games.

The Leafs are 4-7 in shoutouts this season. 3-3 in overtime.