Okay, so it's been 3 weeks since I posted one of these.  Let's see how the improved play of the Leafs has affected this...

Distance from the President's Trophy:  18 pts. (17 behind Washington, Leafs lose the tiebreak, Leafs have a game in hand).  It's still a pipe dream, but it's closer than we were last time we looked.

Distance from the conference lead:  See above.

Distance from the division lead:  12 pts. (11 behind Buffalo, Leafs lose the tiebreak, Buffalo has two games in hand).  An outside shot at best, Buffalo (and Boston two points behind) seem to be the real deal.

Distance from the PLAYOFFS!!!1:  5 pts. (4 behind Montreal, Leafs lose the tiebreak, Leafs have a game in hand).  Looking a lot more possible now :)

Distance from getting out of the Taylor Hall sweepstakes:  2 pts. (2 behind Islanders/Florida/Anaheim, Leafs win the tiebreak over all those teams, and have a game in hand on Florida).  With a win over Ottawa tonight and some favourable results, the Leafs can get out of here tonight!  Amazing.

Distance from last place:  9 pts. (9 ahead of Carolina, Leafs lose the tiebreak).  Let's hope this is a distant memory by now.  I mean, Carolina hasn't exactly fired Paul Maurice yet or anything.  ;)

So far in December, the Leafs have lost twice to Boston, and beaten EVERYONE else ;)  If they can continue this, PLAYOFFS!!!1 may be possible...