Thursday, December 10, 2009

Kessel's Second Coming

Well, the Leafs did not avenge their Saturday night beating and they came away with a 5-2 loss. In this game, the Leafs were practically dead for the first 40 minutes and 17 seconds. At the 18 second mark of the third period Grabovski knocked it in. Follow a few minutes later by Kulemin, however the Leafs could not tie it up as they just can't seem to bury more than two goals past Tuukka Rask. The main problem was the Leafs couldn't figure out how to get Phil Kessel around big Chara.

Now the score does not tell the whole story. At one point, the Leafs were down 3-0, but two quick put them within one. A big save by Tuukka Rask kept the Leafs from tying it. Toskala played a good game, even robbing a few Bruins players. It was a dumb Blake penalty that ended up costing the Leafs making it 4-2, then the Bruins iced the game by scoring it on the empty net.

Again, the bright side is the Leafs are getting their secondary scoring, and Toskala is playing fairly decent in net. However, the Leafs cannot seem to get a three-game winning streak going. The Leafs need to get moving NOW, at least get some points. They need to start climbing the standings and not let the Bruins get a top 5 draft pick.

The next game is this Saturday @ 7:00pm against the Capitals in Toronto, on CBC, Hockey Night in Canada. Let's sleep this one off Leafs Nation and come back fresh and ready on Saturday! Until next time!


Nicholas Porretta

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Second Coming of Vesa

For the first time this season, the Leafs win back-to-back games on home ice, they now have 4 wins at home (however, 6 wins away). The Leafs also FINALLY are in double digits in the wins column!

The last time the Islanders were here in Toronto, Roloson stopped 58 of 61 shots (an Islanders record) to win the game 4-3 in overtime. However, Toronto made sure that Roloson would have to stand on his head again to win the game, but Toskala made sure he also stood on his head in order to give the Leafs a win, and that would be Toskala's 3rd win of the season.

Toskala has been solid in back-to-back games. The way the Leafs have been playing lately, it's hard for me to be a "disgruntled Leafs fan," however there is something I would like to see them work on: their third period. Although they won the last two games, the Leafs have given up third period goals after blanking their opponents in the first two periods. For example, on Monday, the Leafs were up 5-0 in the third, and they allowed two quick ones, tonight, the Leafs were up 2-0 but allowed 2 goals and luckily Blake (yes you heard me, Jason Blake) scored the game winner with just over 4 to go in the third. To me the Leafs seem to be complacent with a lead, let's face it, this season, it's not familiar territory.

Now for the positive side: the 4th line was outstanding tonight! Primeau and Orr especially. They caused numerous turnovers and provided energy for the rest of the Leafs. And most impotantly, the Leafs received more secondary scoring, especially from the defense: Beauchemin, White, and Blake providing the scoring for the Leafs tonight. And Luke Schenn providing a couple of big hits yet again, hopefully this is a sign of the end of his sophomore slump.

Before I end this, my one concern right now is Toskala's inconsistency: when he's good, he's great, when he's bad, he's terrible. If he continues to play the way he has been, we have nothing to worry about, but we can only hope he keeps this up.

The next game is tomorrow night, back in Boston, let's see if the Leafs can get some revenge for Saturday night. The game is on Leafs TV at 7:00pm. Have a good night Leafs Land!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Martin Brodeur Ties Terry Sawchuck for All-Time Shutouts

Terry Sawchuck played from 1949-1970. He played on the Detroit Red Wings, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins, the Los Angeles Kings, and the New York Rangers. He played 971 career games posting a 447-330-172 record with a 2.52 GAA. In 1971, Terry Sawchuck was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: one year before Martin Brodeur was born!

On December 7th, Martin Brodeur stops 22 shots to blank the Sabres and lift the Devils to a 3-0 victory, and giving Brodeur his 103rd shutout ! There is no doubt in my mind that Brodeur will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, I also believe he will be representing the Team Canada hockey team in Vancouver.

Brodeur was drafted by the New Jersey Devils 20th overall in 1990. Here's the kicker, remember Trevor Kidd? well he was drafted 11th overall in that same draft by the Calgary Flames (Felix Potvin went 31st overall that year). Calgary traded up from 20th, to the Devils for their 11th pick, to pick Trevor Kidd! Trevor Kidd currently plays with the Hannover Scorpions in Germany.

Well, I'm going to end this with a BIG congratulations Marty! You're just 1 shutout away from the NHL record! Represent us well in Vancouver too!

Nicholas Porretta

Monday, December 7, 2009

Thrasing the Thrashers

After an embarrassing loss in Boston 7-2, the Leafs bounce back to beat the Thrashers 5-2. This is a big win for Vesa Toskala, but more importantly, this win, the 9th for the Leafs this season, ensure that they do not go down in history with the Washington Capitals with the fewest wins in a season. This win is also only the 3rd win on home ice! With 7 of the next 9 games at home, this is a stat that needs URGENT attention.

The Leafs came out of a scoreless 1st period to explode with 5 goals in a row in the 2nd period. Like the game in Columbus, the Leafs had a mediocre 3rd period, allowing 2 quick ones. However, the Leafs did not disappoint and ended the game with a standing ovation as the clock counted down.

The main reason for the Leafs success as of late is they seem to have found some secondary scoring. Ponikarovsky nets two tonight, along with Stempniak, Stajan, and Grabovski. If Blake and Grabovski can find their game, the Leafs can be a force to be reckoned with. Not a Stanley Cup contender, but at least a respectable opponent you would want to start your starting goalie against.

As I am writing this blog, the game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals has not ended, assuming the Lightning doesn't win this game, the Leafs will be 5 points out of 8th.

Is this the sign of things to come? The Leafs start the month of December with a 3-1-0 record and a 4.00GFA. In October the Leafs only got 1 win, in November the Leafs got 5 wins, ad in December, only 4 games in, the Leafs already have 3 wins! If the Leafs can keep this up, they may be at .500 by Christmas.

The next game is this Wednesday against the Islanders on home ice once again. The game is on TSN @ 7:00. Until next time, enjoy this victory Leafs Nation!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Burying the Jacket

The Leafs rode the momentum from their shutout victory against Montreal with a huge 6-3 victory of the Columbus Blue Jackets in just the 4th time the Leafs have played in Columbus. The Leafs have gotten points in 10 out of their last 12 games! MacDonald played great, Toskala was backup goaltender.

Kessel scores 2 goals tonight, he now has 10 on the season (more than anybody else on the Bruins). Blake lifted a HUGE weight off of his shoulders by netting two markers as well, both even strength, his first even strength goals of the season. Blake now has 4 on the season. Kulemin provided the Leafs with their 2nd shorthanded goal of the season, as well as Stempniak who scored his 6th of the season after a 6 game goaless drought, all of his goals have come on the road this season.

MacDonald got his first win of the season (Gustavsson got credit for the win on Tuesday). The question is, who will play Saturday night? MacDonald has been hot these last couple of games, however Toskala is healthy and ready.

Next game is this Saturday in Boston, Kessel will play his former club for the first time this season, it will also be the first time this season these Original Six clubs meet.

Notes: During the first intermission Burke told the media that Gustavsson would undergo his procedure tomorrow and will be out for 7-10 days.

BREAKING NEWS: Leafs Trade Tlusty to Hurricaines

According to TSN.ca The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Jiri Tlusty to Carolina for their first round pick of 2009, Phillipe Paradis.

Jiri Tlusty, Toronto's first-rounder in in 2006, 13th overall, has 20 points in 74 career games with the Maple Leafs. Tlusty will be remembered for the naked pictures of himself that surfaced online. Tlusty flourished in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies last season getting 66 points in 66 games. Tlusty will report to the Albany River Rats, Carolina's AHL affiliate.

Paradis has yet to play a game in the NHL, he currently plays for Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL. He has 73 points (30 goals 43 assists) in 111 games with the QMJHL and 12 points (6 goals 6 assists) in 24 playoff games with the QMJHL.

With this trade, Brian Burke is sending a message to all players "produce or leave." As well, this gives Toronto ANOTHER first-round player. Paradis was drafted 27th overall. However, this could be a risk, Paradis has no NHL experience, he could end up being a bust, however, Tlusty has not produced much in Toronto. However, the question remains, did Toronto give Tlusty a fair chance? Only time will tell...

Monster Hospitalized

According to a press release at torontomapleleafs.com, Jonas Gustavsson will undergo heart ablation procedure once again. He had one on September 15th, 2009 after experiencing an elevated heart rate during a practice with the Leafs.

Gustavsson left Tuesday night's game after the first period in a 3-0 defeat to the Canadiens, after he said he felt the same way he did when his heart rate elevated.

This would mean Joey MacDonald will probably get the start tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. MacDonald made 18 saves in the 3-0 shutout victory against Montreal.

If MacDonald plays as well as he did on Tuesday, the Leafs have a good chance of winning. In their last 5 games, the Leafs are 3-1-1. MacDonald was not the only factor on Tuesday night. The Leafs defense was outstanding in limiting quality chances against MacDonald. If the Leafs continue to play the way they have over the last couple of weeks, they could do some damage, however don't start growing your playoff beard just yet.

Note: Carl Gunnarsson was injured in Monday night's game versus the Sabres with a hyper-extended left elbow. He's expected to be out 6 weeks.

Remember, tonight's game is @ 7:00 on Leafs TV. Enjoy the game!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Now THAT'S What I Call Secondary Scoring!!!

Well,tomorrow is my last day in my JN 229 class. This blog was an assignment for that class. Overall, this has been an interesting experience. Sure only people I ask to read this blog have read it, and I'm sure maybe like 2 others have too. I do feel secluded due to the lack of comments and such, however, I have decided to continue on with this blog (I can almost hear the 2 people who actually read this thing cheer). It is something that i enjoy doing, I enjoy writing about the Leafs, and therefore I am continuing on.

Now with that out of the way, let's talk about last night's game! After losing 3-0 against the Sabres on Monday night, the Leafs got revenge, against the Montreal Canadiens (who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this Friday against Boston). The Leafs win it 3-0, getting their first shutout of the season. A fantastic start to their three-game road trip. Over the last 7 games, the Leafs have gotten 10 out of a possible 14 points. It is not all good news however, Jonas "the Monster" Gustavsson was sent to the hospital after the 1st period in last night's game. His heart rate was accelerated, and he began feeling the same way he did during the preseason when he had this issue. Coach Ron Wilson did not want to take any chances and told Joey MacDonald to take his spot.

Gustavsson stopped all 8 shots he faced in the first period, MacDonald stopped the remaining 18 shots in the 2nd and 3rd period, giving the Leafs their first shutout of the season. A couple of posts ago, I said the Leafs needed more secondary scoring. Well, last night they got it, from unlikely sources: the first goal was scored by Colton Orr who scored his first goal as a Leaf, and his first goal in 76 games, his last goal was December 10th, 2008. The second goal came from Jeff Finger from a harmless looking shot that was shot from the boards near the point, that was Finger's 2nd of the season; Finger was taking the spot of an injured Gunarsson .

I'm not sure if it's a result of last night's game, but the Montreal Canadiens traded Kyle Chipchura to the Ducks for a fourth-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The next game for the Leafs is tomorrow night in Columbus @ 7:00pm on Leafs TV. The Leafs have never lost a game in regulation against the Blue Jackets.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

New Day, New Month

The Leafs come off a 3-0 shutout loss to Buffalo last night. That game ended the month of November and snapped the Leafs 2 game winning "streak" (if you can call it a streak). Although the month ended on a low note, the month ended better than the month of October. The Leafs record for November is 5-5-3 (13 points), compared to October when it was 1-7-4 (6 points). Their Goals for Average in November was 2.85, that could be improved, however that is up from 2.67 in October, essentially though, that is only 2 more goals scored. However with Hagman and Kessel tearing it up right now, that number could go up past 3.00. A MAJOR improvement in November (other than winning more than one game) was their Goals Against Average, in October it was 4.08, however, in November it was 3.15. That, is around 10 less goals scored.

Now, let's face it, barring a complete meltdown from the whole Eastern Conference, the chances of the Leafs making the playoffs are slim to none. However, they are on the right track for being better in the future (disregarding the fact they traded away their next two first rounders). Hagman and Kessel have been doing an excellent job on a team that lacks offense. Despite missing the month of October, Kessel is on pace to have a 40-goal season for the first time in his career. Keep in mind that we are still only a quarter way through the season though.

Also, the Leafs are only on pace to finish the season 20-39-13 (53 points). Remember, these is a long process, fixing the Leafs up. Especially the state they are in now. But it looks like things are coming together, defensemen are getting better, goalies are making saves, this is a good sign. Burkie wants his team to be playing .500 hockey by Christmas, that is very possible, but for the remainder of the week, the Leafs have tough opponents (Montreal, Columbus, and Boston). Two of the three remaining are against divisional rivals, which Leafs have struggled against, not winning a single game against a divisional opponent yet. That's key if Toronto really wants to try gunning for the playoffs. Until next time folks!

Nicholas Porretta