In this feature, we take a look at the one reason you have to believe that the Leafs have a chance at the cup... That reason being Curtis Joseph. Ever since the Leafs signed Cujo they have been considered serious conteders. People say it's the coaching change that took place near the same time, but a coaching change can only do so much...
The Leafs have now had Cujo for three seasons (including this one) The year before the leafs acquired Joseph they didn't make the playoffs, and frustrated Leafs fans were beginning to lose faith. Felix Potvin, the goalie that was suposed to be a star for the Maple Leafs for years to come suddenly began to struggle and it was a downhill ride for him from there.
In the summer to come the Leafs pulled out all the stops and acquired the fabulous goaltender, Curtis Joseph. Like I said, ever since then the leafs have not missed the playoffs and have been considered contenders. In fact, the year after the Leafs missed the playoffs and signed Curtis they went on to lose in the conference final! Quite the large jump I might add. The next year (last) the Leafs were beaten out in the second round, but it was also to a team that ended up winning the Cup, the New Jersey Devils. Was it Cujo's fault? Of course not! In the final game of the series the Maple Leafs could only afford themselves 6 shots on goal total... 6 shots! The 2001 playoffs are inching closer, and that means Cujo will have to be brilliant again. The Leafs are an even slower team then last year and may not be able to get very much offence going during the post season. This means Cujo might have to hold the Leafs in game after game. If there is any reason for you to believe the Leafs have a chance at the cup it's because of Curtis Joseph.
Curtis has been relatively successful on the international front as well. He was chosen as the thrid goalie for the winter olympics 1998 in Nagano. Although he didn't manage to even play a game (niether did Brodeur the second goalie) he is one of the favourites to be chosen as a started goalie for Team Canada in Salt Lake City for the 2002 winter games. We are all rooting for Cujo to be chosen and whether or not he gets chosen may well depend on just how good he does during this years playoffs. Even more of a reason for us Leafs fans to hope he does well.
In the summer to come the Leafs pulled out all the stops and acquired the fabulous goaltender, Curtis Joseph. Like I said, ever since then the leafs have not missed the playoffs and have been considered contenders. In fact, the year after the Leafs missed the playoffs and signed Curtis they went on to lose in the conference final! Quite the large jump I might add. The next year (last) the Leafs were beaten out in the second round, but it was also to a team that ended up winning the Cup, the New Jersey Devils. Was it Cujo's fault? Of course not! In the final game of the series the Maple Leafs could only afford themselves 6 shots on goal total... 6 shots! The 2001 playoffs are inching closer, and that means Cujo will have to be brilliant again. The Leafs are an even slower team then last year and may not be able to get very much offence going during the post season. This means Cujo might have to hold the Leafs in game after game. If there is any reason for you to believe the Leafs have a chance at the cup it's because of Curtis Joseph.
Curtis has been relatively successful on the international front as well. He was chosen as the thrid goalie for the winter olympics 1998 in Nagano. Although he didn't manage to even play a game (niether did Brodeur the second goalie) he is one of the favourites to be chosen as a started goalie for Team Canada in Salt Lake City for the 2002 winter games. We are all rooting for Cujo to be chosen and whether or not he gets chosen may well depend on just how good he does during this years playoffs. Even more of a reason for us Leafs fans to hope he does well. 
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