33 Years Ago in Leafland; March 24, 1987

Spring of 1987. The Maple Leafs went on an improbable playoff run. They got to within a game of meeting the mighty Edmonton Oilers in the Campbell Conference Finals. I was a 15 year-old hockey mad kid enjoying the fortunes of my favourite team. What better time than now to look back at this memorable time of my youth and Leafs history. 

"We're not dead!", Leaf coach John Brophy exclaimed after 6-5 victory in Buffalo on March 24. He added, "Our defence read that stuff in the paper this morning and they rose up."Referring to the article in the Toronto Star the previous day.
On goals by Vaive, Damphousse and Courtnall before seven minutes had elapsed, the Leafs chased Sabres goalie Jacques Cloutier from the net. The teams alternated the next six goals after Tom Barrasso took over for the Sabres and two late goals by Buffalo made the ending tense. Sabre Dave Andreychuk (who had 2 goals, 2 assists) hit the post behind Ken Wregget with five seconds remaining in the game. 
Rick Vaive, having been stripped of his team captaincy stripped just over a year ago, was still a leader on the young Leaf squad. He potted the opening goal 17 seconds into the game, his 31st goal of the season, assisted by Steve Thomas. Both players would be traded to Chicago during training camp the following season. After putting up three consecutive 50 goal seasons, Vaive had now scored over 30 the last three seasons. His 0.56 Goals/Game as a Maple Leaf remain second most all-time among players with 200 career Leaf goals, behind only Charlie Conacher.
Brophy added, "Man to man, we played our most intense game for 60 minutes this season. We were both fighting for our life. We have no trouble being physical, but sometimes we don't instigate."
Rick Vaive, after having his tongue stitched up courtesy of a Phil Housley elbow said afterward, "I don't think anyone was relaxed. This was one we really needed. Nobody was thinking about the last few games."

Looking ahead to the following day's game against Minnesota, Brophy stated, "Tonight, we've got something to work with." Indeed, Toronto was now only three points behind the North Stars for the final playoff spot and getting set to host them at Maple Leaf Gardens. I do recall Young Nitzy starting to feel the excitement of my favourite team being in a legitimate playoff chase. The race was on.








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