Belfour is officially gone for the rest of the year. I have heard a lot of people saying "Thank god!" and people generally ragging on him for this year. I disagree, I would like to see people give Belfour, who is probably going to go into the Hall of Fame down the line, get some of the respect he deserves. I think it is pretty lame that the year ends this way for him - with inconsistent play and less then average numbers from him. If Toronto decides to not bring him back for one more year, I think Belfour should try to sign with someone for one more year.
EDIT - And the Eastern Conference, at least the last couple of playoff spots, are really tight. The West too. I don't remember it being so close the last time we saw hockey.