Mats Sundin Turns 36 But Still Has Much Left to Accomplish
Posted February 13, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Leafs captain Mats Sundin is hoping to celebrate his 36 th birthday Tuesday with a big win over the New York Islanders, but that only covers his immediate plans.
What Sundin really wants, is to lead his team into the playoffs and ultimately fight for Lord Stanley before time runs out on his illustrious career.
For Sundin, who’s playing some of his best hockey lately, the clock is ticking.
“I’m not getting any younger,” he admits. “If you miss the playoffs that’s another year that has gone by. I think we’re all feeling the necessary urgency.”
That urgency has translated into some great performances since the all-star break, with captain Mats collecting points in all seven games the team has played.
“Physically and mentally I feel as strong as I ever have.
“I really want to stay and be a Maple Leaf,” said Sundin, who has a no-trade clause in his contract. “First of all, I really believe we have a strong chance to make the playoffs. And if you make it in these days, you have a great chance to win.
“It’s not where it was before, where it was four teams who really had a chance to win the Cup at the start of the playoffs. Nowadays there’s 16 teams that have a legit chance to win.
“For myself personally, I want to win a championship here with the Toronto Maple Leafs.”
That would be the best present he could get his fans, who have been watching four decades of their own birthdays go by without the gift they really want – a Toronto Cup victory.
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