33 Years Ago in Leafland; April 6, 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 going to get down on the ground and kiss anybody's behind (pretty sure Broph actually said 'ass') because we're in the playoffs," John Brophy said," We're certainly looking forward to the playoffs as a new season. We're looking to prove ourselves again. We have a chance to prove we're a good hockey club and salvage our season." The Leafs were given yesterday off in anticipation of a physical series, Brophy is hoping for lots of bumping hockey. He added, "Our defence is as physically big and strong as any team in the league. If they play like that, we won't have a problem. And they're very capable of doing that."
David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail previewed the Blues, "Aside from Gilmour and Paslawski, the Blues forwards to watch are Mark Hunter and Bernie Federko. The rest of the cast is comprised of solid checkers who will not get fancy. The Blues defence is physically imposing, led by Rob Ramage and Brian Benning with Charles Bourgeois and Ric Nattress providing size. Goaltending is one of the St. Louis strong suits, with Greg Millen and Rick Walmsley. The biggest hole in the Blues lineup is caused by the absence of Brian Sutter, who has missed most of the season with a shoulder injury."
In addition, on this day, the Blues signed University of North Dakota star and Hobey Baker winner Tony Hrkac. The 21-year old centre may even draw into the lineup for the Leafs series.
The series gets underway Wednesday, April 8 in St. Louis with game two the following night. They return to Toronto for Saturday, Sunday April 11 and 12 at Maple Leaf Gardens.










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