Pennsylvania polka week

By TIM WHARNSBY -- Toronto Sun
The Maple Leafs surprised even themselves when they performed the Pennsylvania two-step during the NHL playoffs last spring.

Even though the Flyers were minus captain Eric Lindros in Round 1, the Leafs were supposed to wilt under Philadelphia's physical game. They did not.

In the next round, Jaromir Jagr and the Pittsburgh Penguins were supposed to be too skilled for the defensively challenged Leafs. They were not.

Now, into the eighth week of the 1999-2000 season, the Eastern Conference-leading Leafs try to prove themselves all over again when they visit Pittsburgh tonight and Philadelphia for a Friday matinee.

The Leafs, 2-4-2 in their past eight games, are trying to shed their inconsistent label.

"We did pretty good against the Penguins and Flyers in the playoffs," Leafs defenceman Dmitry Yushkevich said. "But this will put more pressure on us because I'm sure those teams are preparing pretty hard to play us.

"What happened last spring is probably fresh in their minds, so we can't expect easy games against them."

Of the two teams, the Penguins should be the easier foe. They are struggling. Jagr is hurting. Their goaltending is suspect without veteran Tom Barrasso, who has been nursing a knee injury since Oct. 7.

The Flyers are among the league's hottest clubs. After an 0-5-1 start, they have gone 11-2-2 -- an impressive run put together without the injured Keith Jones and Rod Brind'Amour.

The Flyers still are shaking their heads from that first-round series loss that saw the Leafs score just nine goals in six games.

"Everybody is going to take from (the playoff wins) what they want," Leafs general manager/coach Pat Quinn said. "But they were good memories.

"They were two different types of teams that we were able to advance against. It was a real test because the Flyers were a physical test, one we weren't sure we could answer going in. We will have to answer again.

"Everybody likes to be reminding you of your frailties, your weaknesses. I've always believed that I would never remember my bad points, just something good."

The Pennsylvania memories are good for every member of the Leafs. Instant heroes were produced as Yanic Perreault, Sergei Berezin and Garry Valk scored overtime goals.

Captain Mats Sundin scored eight goals in 17 playoff games overall. Steve Thomas and Berezin had six goals apiece.

Of the defence corps, Yushkevich emerged to the front of the line.

"In the summer I had lots of time to think about it," Yushkevich said. "It was the best hockey I ever produced and I became a leader on this hockey team. It was a great time and I'm looking forward to going back to both cities."

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