Sitting in last of no concern to Leafs
Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock, like his players, is trying not to place too much emphasis on the standings, which showed Toronto in last place in the Atlantic Division entering Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
Babcock, instead of watching the standings, emphasizes five-game segments for his players. His team was 10-9-5 — one game over .500, without the overtime losses — which is respectable for a team icing seven rookies.
“What I’ve found out over the years is that whether you’re winning 50 (games) in Detroit, or here in Toronto, if you stay focused on your game at hand, things will work out in the end.
“And we play five games in seven days coming up, so when our games even out a bit more (later in the season), that’s when I look at (stand- ings). If you get six points out of every five-game segment you’re in the playoffs, period.”
Though they were in last in their division heading into Wednesday’s game, they were still tied for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
LEAFS BEAT COWEN: The Leafs won their arbitration case Wednesday involving Jared Cowen, who was acquired in the Dion Phaneuf trade with Ottawa but never played a game for the Leafs.
The dispute centred on Cowen’s health, which came into question after he was placed on unconditional waivers last June with the intention of buying out his contract.
The buyout was never fully completed for Cowen, who had hip surgery in 2012. The latest ruling, though, allows the Leafs to absorb only a $750,000 (U.S.) cap hit next season, rather than the $4.5 million owed Cowen if his contract was not bought out.
KADRI ON MEND: Leafs centre Nazem Kadri was feeling much better Wednesday after missing practice with a flu bug the day before.
Kadri said his condition had worsened to the point where he had an intravenous drip inserted in his arm to help him fight off the bug.
“It’s one of those things, it goes around and sometimes you can really get hit hard,” Kadri said.