Leafs Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Win

The Maple Leafs aren’t out of the playoff hunt just yet, after a 4-1 win in Buffalo last night left them a fighting chance in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is in 12th place right now, but only five points separates them from the Boston Bruins, who hold the eighth and final spot. The two teams meet for a home-and-home series early next week. In other NHL action:

• Anaheim didn’t have a single shot on goal in the third period of their game against the Sharks last night.  San Jose beat the Ducks 2-1 and has now won 14 of their last 15 games.
• Branko Radivojevic and Brian Rolston scored for Minnesota in their 2-1 victory over Vancouver. Niklas Backstrom was instrumental in the win, making 30 saves for the Wild.