Toronto Maple Leafs Notes: Crucial 10-Day Stretch Ahead, Bowen’s Milestone

The Toronto Maple Leafs will begin a crucial 10-day stretch on Tuesday night, while legendary announcer Joe Bowen celebrates a milestone achievement.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will try to end their five-game losing streak on Tuesday night when they take on the Detroit Red Wings. Schedule wise, the Leafs will begin their mad dash to end the season on Tuesday, playing their first of 18 games in 34 days.

After finishing their California road trip with an 0-2-1 record, the Leafs have been off for the past three days and were able to practice on back-to-back days and prepare for this stretch run.

Here’s a look at the Leafs’ lines from practice on Monday, and likely what Mike Babcock will deploy on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings:

10 Pivotal Days

The Toronto Star’s Damien Cox wrote a great article about how important these next 10 days are for the Maple Leafs.

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Considering the upcoming schedule will see the Leafs play the Red Wings and Flyers at home, Hurricanes on the road, Panthers and Lightning on the road, and the Blackhawks at home, it’s easy to see why these next 10 days are crucial for the Leafs.

Ideally, if the Leafs want to stay pace in the Wild Card race, they need to get at least seven points during this upcoming six-game stretch. Mike Babcock often refers to segments in the season, well, this is easily the biggest segment yet.

No. 3,000 for Bowen

“Holy Mackinaw!,” has become an iconic phrase for Maple Leafs fans over the years, as legions of fans have grown up with the voice of Joe Bowen when they tune into Leaf games.

Bowen has called many famous games during his time with the Leafs, but Tuesday night will be a milestone night for the 65-year-old Sudbury, ON, native as he will call his 3,000th game.

Next: Silver Lining in the Leafs' Missed Opportunities

Thanks for everything over the years, Joe! It’s always been a pleasure to hear you call Leaf games!