By D'Arcy Ellis
The Surveyor

In a recent column in the Surveyor, I stated the Toronto Maple Leafs had little chance of playoff success.

This is one of those instances where I admit I was wrong and thanks to my mouth, I have a bleached head of hair to show for it.

Not only did the Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Ottawa Senators, they swept them. The Sens couldn't get on a roll and ran into a very hot Curtis Joseph.

So kudos to the Leafs. I didn't expect it, but they played a solid, all-around game. The Senators need to get a bit tougher, it would appear. So my eastern pick was wrong.

However, my Stanley Cup pick remains alive as the St. Louis Blues defeated the San Jose Sharks. I still think they will go on to an NHL championship in 2001.

Now back to the Maple Leafs. I am not going to make any brash predictions this time. As a matter of fact, a friend and colleague of mine challenged me to a bet where if the New Jersey Devils defeat the Maple Leafs, he would shave his head. Likewise, I had to do the same if Toronto defeated New Jersey. Guess what? I chickened out. I like having my hair.

I think New Jersey will beat Toronto, but it is certainly not a guarantee with the way they are playing right now.

It turns out that the Maple Leafs really are a team built for the playoffs. The Ottawa Senators are built for the regular season.

As for the Montreal Canadiens, unless they find a way to stay healthy, they will continue to be built for the golf course.

Can I have a side of coleslaw with my plate of crow?