NEW JERSEY VS. TORONTO BUFFALO VS. PITTSBURGH COLORADO VS. LOS ANGELES DALLAS VS. ST. LOUIS

Monday, April 30 Updated: May 1, 12:31 PM ET Leafs captain benefitting from depth at center By Brian A. Shactman ESPN.com TORONTO -- Mats Sundin has been the center of attention in the Devils-Leafs series, but it's the other Toronto centers who should be getting more of the publicity. Statistically, Sundin seems to be more effective this postseason against the Devils, especially after his two-goal, two-assist performance in Game 2. But according to Sundin and his coach, Pat Quinn, there's no difference between this series and Sundin's goal-free series against the Devils last season. A healthy Yanic Perreault at center has been a boost for Mats Sundin and the Maple Leafs. "Mats has played well through this series," Quinn said, "but he did last year as well." "Last year, he was easy to play because we didn't have anyone at center ice to offset him." The Leafs have four centers who, for the most part, weren't in the lineup when they lost to New Jersey in six games a year ago. Yanic Perreault, Nikolai Antropov and Alyn McCauley were all on the team, but injuries limited them to a combined total of nine playoff games. Shayne Corson was still a Montreal Canadien. So while New Jersey can match Bobby Holik against Sundin, the Leafs have other offensive options. This year, shutting down Sundin doesn't equate to shutting down the entire team. "The difference is he doesn't have to play 25 or 26 minutes a game. When he's on the ice, he's fresher," said Devils coach Larry Robinson. "The other lines are taking a lot of the pressure off him to have to 'do it by myself.' " That freshness has allowed Sundin to create the offense and intensity so many expect from him. "He's elevated his play and it's caught the eyes of everyone in this room," said linemate Steve Thomas. In addition to easing Sundin's ice time, the other centers are good enough to take key faceoffs. "All of the centermen they have in the lineup are good on faceoffs," Robinson said. "When you do that, you have possession of the puck more. Their depth is a big plus for them." The offseason acquisition of winger Gary Roberts has also helped Sundin. Last season, Sundin skated on a line with Jonas Hoglund and Thomas. Roberts, who scored 29 goals this season, plays a more physical game and opens up space for Sundin. "Gary Roberts has made a huge difference on that line. He's been the guy in there on the forecheck and turning pucks over," Robinson said. "The way Gary plays benefits Mats." Sundin agrees that Toronto's depth this season has changed the appearance of his play. "I'm playing the same game," he said. "I try to take care of what's in my control and go out and play hard." Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com. He can be reached at brian.shactman@espn.com. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories