Forgot Log-in or  Password? |  Help  Not a member, Register Now!
 

Fans cheer Sundin's accomplishments

  •  

--Mats Sundin gave the Leafs and their fans many highlights to celebrate in his 13-year career, which has helped make 44 years without a Stanley Cup more tolerable.

Saturday night's crowd at the Air Canada Centre responded with a three-minute standing ovation for the captain and the franchise's leading scorer with 987 points. Sundin's No. 13 joined 17 others in the rafters, getting a place beside Toronto's first Swedish star, Borje Salming. Sundin and Salming spoke after his 1994 trade from Quebec to the Leafs. Sundin had been wary of the reception he'd get.

"Borje told me you will love Toronto and love being a Leaf," Sundin said, as his wife, Josephine, and his parents looked on. "I didn't know then, but I know it now.

"I miss going to the rink, the new season, I miss driving to the ACC with a knot in my stomach before a big game. But the thing I miss most are the people in Toronto. The spirit that lives in the city, people who care about each other and their Leafs.

"No fans are more passionate about their team. For me to play the sport I love in the hockey capital of the world, I wouldn't trade those memories."

--Goalie James Reimer likely played himself out of a starting assignment for the Western Canadian road trip on Tuesday in Calgary. He has been beaten eight times the past two games. Goalie Jonas Gustavsson should get the nod against the Flames.

--The Leafs' penalty-killing streak of 17 games and 31 chances ended in Saturday's 5-0 loss to Montreal. Left wing Max Pacioretty beat Reimer in the second period, two games shy of matching the Chicago Blackhawks' mark from 1969-70 and Toronto's longest team streak since 1940-41.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I never thought it was unlucky. Hard work and you make your own luck." -- Mats Sundin, on wearing No. 13 in his career.

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.

  •  
 
 
 
 
Top NHL
 

CBSSports.com Shop

Majestic New Jersey Devils 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - Red

New Jersey Devils 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Champions
Get Your Locker Room Gear Shop Now