Leafs Win Opener

2002 Playoffs

"Athletes sometimes get in that groove, even when they should be fatigued," Toronto coach Pat Quinn said. "There's a wall there someplace, but clearly they mustered up some good strength."

The Maple Leafs were missing nine regulars due to injuries after a pair of difficult seven-game series against the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators.

"Let's face it, that was a close game," Quinn said. "There were a lot of good chances and we needed terrific goaltending. Let's see if we can be good again (Sunday) and do the little things that help us win."

"I don't think it's discouraging, it just shows what they are made of and it shows what it takes in the big games," Carolina goalie Arturs Irbe said. "Nobody ever said it was going to be easy and we have fallen behind, but there are still possibly six games to go. There is room for improvement and to catch up."