Toronto Maple Leafs

Is Gustavsson good enough?

October 28, 2011

Jonas Gustavsson won his first game of the season---going back to last season he hadn't won since Jan.6---and looked sharp in the victory over the New York Rangers.

The decision to enter the season with James Reimer and Gustavsson between the pipes was a risky one by the Toronto Maple Leafs' management. Reimer and Gustavsson, as of now, have a combined 112 games of experience at the NHL level. But the Leafs also entered the season as the NHL's youngest club with an average age of 26.07, so perhaps its goal...

Leafs Spoil Garden Party

October 27, 2011

Marco Perruzza

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In the preview for tonight's Leafs Rangers game I said that this game was a statement game for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Coming off of a loss in Philadelphia, and playing without their number one goalie (James Reimer), the Leafs survived the first period before dominating their original six rivals for a 4-2 victory. The Rangers outshot Toronto 16-10 in the first period taking a 1-0 lead into the intermission on a goal by Dan Girardi. The Rangers could have been ahead by more, but two goals were justly waived off due to Ryan Callahan interfering with Jonas Gustavsson.

A weak Matthew Lombardi wrister found a way through Henrik Lundqvist and the Leafs...

Game #9 Preview - Rangers vs Leafs

October 27, 2011

Marco Perruzza

0 Comments

In perhaps their first statement game of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs (5-2-1) will face off against the New York Rangers (3-2-2). Following their opening trip to Europe and western Canada swing, tonight’s game will be the long delayed home opener for the Rangers. New York has struggled so far this season, and may be facing the Leafs at the best time. New York has gone 6-0-2 and outscored the Leafs 32-11, Ranger fans are hoping this dominance continues. With the looming absence of Marc Staal, the Rangers have struggled defensively to begin this season. Kurt Sauer will return to the Rangers lineup tonight. Following a loss against the Philadelphia Flyers on...

Is Gunnarsson the odd man out?

October 26, 2011

Ron Guillet

3 Comments

The Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-2-1 start to the National Hockey League 2011-12 regular season has been somewhat deceptive.

That's not to say the Leafs, who are the youngest team in the NHL, have not deserved its 11 points in the standings, but the wins have accumulated despite the team's sluggish opening periods and mediocre team defense.

That said, the youthful Leafs have displayed plenty of vigour which has allowed them to escape with points in the standings---and you can't ask for more from a young team, really.

Nonetheless, it's difficult to gauge whether the Leafs are for real or on the verge of struggling with con...

Hartnell and Jagr Power Flyers to 4-2 Win

October 25, 2011

Matthew Brigidi

2 Comments

With all the attention focused to the status of Chris Pronger, lost on many last night was the solid effort of the Flyers following two consecutive losses. Matt Brigidi takes a look at the positive parts of Monday night's win.

Scary Night for Flyers Despite Win

October 25, 2011

Matthew Brigidi

6 Comments

Despite snapping a two-game losing streak, all the focus in Philadelphia was on the future of Captain Chris Pronger.

Flyers Double Up Leafs 4-2

October 24, 2011

Marco Perruzza

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Considering most people (myself included) expected the Leafs to be embarrassed tonight at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Leafs surprised by managing to be in the game for most of the night. Both Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell paced the Flyers tonight with two goals apiece (Jagr's goals were his first since 2008). Jonas Gustavsson got the start for the Leafs on his 27th birthday and definitely turned some heads by stopping 26 of 30 shots. Gustavsson made some big saves, and was swarmed at times tonight. While it has already been said that The Monster made a statement, he still surrendered four goals which are too many if the Leafs are to win when h...

Game #8 Preview - Flyers vs Leafs

October 24, 2011

Marco Perruzza

4 Comments

Bright lights and loud screaming are considered normal for birthdays. However tonight Jonas Gustavsson will hope that his 27th birthday will be void of the flashing red goal light behind him and that the Wells Fargo Centre does its library impression. With James Reimer sidelined, the Leafs (5-1-1) will turn to their maligned backup tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers (4-2-1). Gustavsson is coming off a 5-4 OT victory against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night, a game in which he surrendered the first shot he faced and three goals in total during his two periods of work. The Monster has surrendered 9 goals in five periods of hockey this season, and Leafs fans are hoping tonight'...

Leafs Stars Come Through Against Habs

October 23, 2011

Marco Perruzza

4 Comments

The theme of this early season for the Toronto Maple Leafs (5-1-1) seems to be resourcefulness. It hasn't seemed to matter how the points are achieved, but more finding ways to get the job done through any obstacles thrown their way. Tonight's 5-4 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens (1-4-2) may have been their most resilient effort of the season. Toronto faced adversity from the opening stages of Saturday's encounter with Brian Gionta taking a run at Leafs netminder James Reimer before the game was even a minute old. Gionta's head shot knocked Reimer's mask askew and prompted Hockey Night In Canada's Glenn Healy to call t...

Game #7 Preview - Canadiens vs Leafs

October 22, 2011

Marco Perruzza

0 Comments

With more than just bragging rights at stake tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs (4-1-1) will face the Montreal Canadiens (1-4-1) tonight at the Bell Centre. The Leafs will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss Thursday night suffered at the hands of the Boston Bruins. Two things to watch for tonight are: first, can the Leafs put Thursday nights effort behind them and get two important points? Second, can the Leafs take advantage of the Canadiens while they are down?

The Habs have not had a good start to their season. While injuries have been a factor, they have struggled in most areas of their game. A win tonight against their rival Leafs could go a long way in getting le bleu, ...