RIP Leafs 2009-2010

Well, it's been seven games, and still a BIG goose egg in the Wins column! The only point the Leafs have so far this season was from the season opener against Montreal. As one would expect, Leafs fans are upset. The Leafs have absolutely NO goaltending. If there is a bright side however, it is that the Leafs seem to allow less goals with Toskala NOT in goal: in 4 games played this season, Toskala has allowed 19 Goals against, when Toskala has not been in goal, the Leafs have only allowed 13 goals in 4 games (In game 2 Toskala was yanked and replaced with Gustavsson, who allowed 3 goals in 2 periods, Toskala allowed 3 goals in the first period). Doing the math, that sits Toskala with a 5.71 GAA! Gustavson has played 1 game and 2 periods allowing 5 goals (one of which was a penalty shot) sitting him with a 2.99 GAA and Joey McDonald, filling in for Toskala while he is injured has a 4.00GAA. So right now, it looks like Gustavsson could be this team's savior. The stage is set for the monster: he needs a couple of good games, and just like that he'll snag the number one spot from Toskala.

But what can the Leafs do about their goaltending situation, well...Brian Burke, if you're reading this, pay attention! I play a lot of street hockey with my friends, sign me to a one-year contract! I can stop shots...in fact I have a video for your scouts:





I'll be waiting for your phone call Burkie.

Now, how badly are the Leafs doing exactly? Well in 333:16 of play this season, the Leafs have held the lead for 6:40! That's 1.9% of play that they've held the lead!the other 98.1% they've either been tied or screwing up. Seven games have gone by in this young season, but already the Leafs have gone through 3 goaltenders. Yes, I'm going back to goaltending. Out of the 5 periods Gustavsson has played, he blanked shooters in two of them. Two more "shutout" periods than Toskala.

As if the Leafs don't have it bad enough, the oft-injured Mike Van Ryn is done for the season, after playing a whopping 0 games. Because of his long-term injury status, the Leafs have a lot of extra cap room, many people speculated that the Leafs should try to sign free agent Brendan Shanahan, Burke says the Leafs need to be more competitive for the playoffs for Shanahan to want to come to Toronto. "Burke also addressed a newspaper article suggesting the Leafs would be wise to sign the 40-year old Shananan. However, the Leafs' rebuilding plans likely rule that move out.
'To me a team has to be a lot closer to competing for (Shanahan) to make sense,' Burke said.

Well if you're like me, and horribly embarrassed to call yourself a Leafs fan today upsetfan.com has a great product for you! It's a bag to put over your head. Seriously, I'm not joking. For every bag they sell, they will donate money to the Sick Kids Foundation. Go check it out if you're interested...or embarrassed...

Until next time folks, let's just hope the Leafs can get a W...and soon.

Further Reading:

http://bitterleaf.blogspot.com/2009/10/toronto-maple-leafs-ugly-numbers.html

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/10/19/leafs_burke_shanahan_goalies/

And seriously check out: http://www.upsetfan.com/ it's for a good cause!