The Hockey News announces the teams in the #12 spot in their rankings…12 TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Why: Toronto’s shortcomings were magnified down the stretch last season as the team faded badly in the playoff race - and those shortcomings still have to be addressed. The Maple Leafs still need a bonafide, proven No. 1 goalie and fans hope that acquisition is on the way….
12 CALGARY FLAMES
Why: The Flames are your prototypical bubble team - too good to bottom out, not good enough to guarantee a playoff spot. The backbone of the team - Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff - are just getting older and without anyone else to lead the charge, Calgary seems to be moving further and further away from a No. 8 seed….
more on both teams…