Alexei Ponikarovsky News

Leafs try to capitalize on mediocrity Matt Stajan, left, Alexei Ponikarovsky, centre, and Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a goal against the Atlanta Thrashers December 7, 2009 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Coyotes netminder Ilya Bryzgalov foils forward Matt Stajan in a 6-3 victory over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will aim to close out a three-game homestand perfect this evening, when they take on the Phoenix Coyotes at Air Canada Centre.The Maple Leafs have yet to win three straight games this season, but can do so tonight after defeating the Senators, 3-2, on Monday.

Francois Beauchemin scored the game-winning goal early in the third period, as the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Ottawa Senators, 3-2, at Air Canada Centre.

The Air Canada Centre is becoming a much less friendly place for visiting teams to play.

David Shoalts Leafs' quest for wins has them minding the gap Toronto Maple Leafs winger Alexei Ponikarovsky, left, celebrates with Tomas Kaberle after scoring his side's fifth goal against Atlanta Thrashers in Toronto on December 7, 2009.

When, where: Tonight, 7, TD Garden. TV, radio: NESN, WBZ-FM . Goals: Niklas Hagman 14, Alexei Ponikarovsky 11, Phil Kessel 10.

A month ago, there would have been no debate. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who began the season without a win in their first eight games, were the worst team in the National Hockey League.

It was the kind of moment where Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson couldn't help but feel a little optimistic.

The Maple Leafs couldn't land the NHL's Winter Classic outdoor game for thousands of fans and millions of TV viewers, but an intimate outdoor practice for a few hundred school kids was just as meaningful yesterday.

Alexei Poniakarovsky, left, and Matt Stajan celebrate during Toronto's 5-2 victory on Monday night.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will try to post their longest winning streak of the season when they host the rival Buffalo Sabres in tonight's Northeast Division clash at Air Canada Centre.

Jason Blake and Phil Kessel each scored twice, as the Toronto Maple Leafs dominated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 6-3, at Nationwide Arena.

Toronto will face Montreal tonight for the third time this season and the second time at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Maple Leafs left winger Alexei Ponikarovsky screens Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller in Buffalo on Oct.

Jason Blake and Tomas Kaberle celebrate a goal during a game earlier this month.

Niklas Hagman and Phil Kessel each scored two goals to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 6-4 victory over the Florida Panthers on Friday night.

Coach Ron Wilson , who's getting a little tired of questions about losing, had an amusing take on why the team is in this position.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' Mikhail Grabovski battles the Carolina Hurricanes' Ray Whitney during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Raleigh on Nov.

Phil Kessel, Niklas Hagman and a couple of good bounces helped pull the Toronto Maple Leafs out of another extended winless slide.