In the dreariest moments of this season, the Maple Leafs must have looked at this three-week dark hole in their home schedule and wondered if anyone would be enthused about coming back to watch them after the Olympics.

That it was preceded by seven games against playoff-bound teams added to the trepidation. But that was before a couple of big trades by general manager Brian Burke, a full bloom of rookies getting a shot and a renewed commitment to special teams gave some hope that final weeks of the season will be worthwhile.

In the final ACC game before the break on Monday, a patchwork lineup that included 2009 first-round pick Nazem Kadri on emergency recall, fended off the Cup-contending San Jose Sharks for almost 60 minutes in a 3-2 loss. Ryane Clowe's fortunate goal with 6:39 to play still didn't allow the strong visitors to relax as Toronto buzzed their net twice with Jean-Sebastien Gigure pulled for a sixth man.