TORONTO – A lot of Toronto fans will be cheering against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday.
The Toronto Maple Leafs could clinch a playoff spot for the first time in seven seasons with a win over the Washington Capitals – but their chances are better if the Winnipeg Jets lose their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
That would put the Leafs 11 points ahead of the 9th place Jets with just five games left in the season – making it impossible for the Jets to catch up and securing a playoff spot for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Even if the Jets win Tuesday, odds-makers still foresee the Leafs making a post-season appearance.
Sportsclubstats.com, a website specializing in athletic statistics, gives the Leafs a 100 per cent chance of making the playoffs.
It would also bring to an end the longest running post-season drought in the NHL: The Leafs have not made the playoffs since the 2003-2004 season.
While one streak would end, another – perhaps more depressing for Leafs fans – is expected to continue.
The Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967. Odds makers don’t see that tradition changing this season.
Sportsclubstats.com gives the Leafs just a 4.4 per cent chance of winning the Stanley Cup in 2013.
The Chicago Blackhawks, who lead the NHL with 70 points, have a 44.3 per cent chance of winning, according to the website.
The Pittsburgh Penguins – powered by stars such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jerome Iginla – are seen as the second surest bet: The website gives them a 17.5 per cent chance.
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