Toronto Maple Leafs

Michael Nylander on Waivers

November 7, 2009

Michael Nylander has been placed on waivers per Bob McKenzie via Twitter.

Nylander was loaned to American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins on Oct.21 after the Washington Capitals opted not to send the 37-year-old to their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, because he'd have to be placed on waivers. The basis of the agreement was for Nylander to showcase his abilities in an attempt to garner interest from teams around the National Hockey League.

In 4 games with the Griffins, Nylander produced 1 goal and 5 powerplay assists (with 0 truculence points, however--a.k.a. PIM's). Not too shabby considering he's coming off a disappointing 33-point campaign.

The ...

Memo to Habs Fans: Komisarek Pwns You

November 5, 2009

Ron Guillet

6 Comments

Since the Montreal Canadiens disposed of the Toronto Maple Leafs in an overtime decision in the season-opener on Oct.1, Mike Komisarek has been chastised by Habs fans, even garnering the nickname, “Homosarek.”-- but I have to admit, that one is actually pretty damn funny.
However, what Canadiens fans fail to recognize is that Komisarek, in the midst of a slump, has performed quite well in comparison to the Canadiens’ defensemen in terms of defensive statistics--except for +/-, which is generally a team stat, and I don’t have to show you where the Leafs are currently positioned in that regard.
Let’s take a look at hits:
Komisarek -- ranked 26th i...

Question Period - Leafs Edition

November 4, 2009

Ron Guillet

2 Comments

Will Gustavsson and Kessel Propel the Leafs to Respectability?

November 3, 2009

Ron Guillet

2 Comments

While there has been much buildup for the debut of Phil Kessel in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform, the goaltending of Jonas Gustavsson against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight should be equally monitored.

In five games with the Leafs this season, Gustavsson has not allowed a questionable goal, and the same cannot be said for teammate Vesa Toskala, who has a putrid .813 save-percentage and a 5.13 goals-against-average.

Gustavsson already has a collection of highlight reel saves, and has consistently provided his team with a chance to win every game. While the defense infront of him hasn’t been stellar, they, like the rest of the team, ha...

Getting Their Phil

November 3, 2009

Patrick Storto

11 Comments

Well it has all been confirmed that Phil Kessel will join the Leafs line-up tomorrow night, of course pending medical clearance which is expected to happen tomorrow morning.

It seems quite early, which is a bit worrisome, since this is not something you want to rush. But Leafs fans should have faith in the doctors and if they say he's good to go then so be it. Leafs fans do however need to take their expectations down a few notches. Kessel can score goals, we've seen it, but shoulder surgery is something that takes a while to completely heal, and even when it does heal the mental restriction on what you can and cannot do lingers for q...

Leafs can’t seal the deal, a Divisional Weekend, Phil Kessel, and more…

October 30, 2009

Patrick Storto

5 Comments

The Leafs looked really good on Wednesday night, in the first two periods especially. They put on a ton of pressure and were able to keep the puck in the Stars’ zone for most of the night. It looked like it was going to be a win for the Leafs after allowing only two shots on goal in the first period. But once again, for the tenth time this season, the Leafs gave up the first goal of the game, and statistics show that the team that scores first usually wins. Luckily an unlikely hero emerged in Kulemin (who had a two-goal game) who tied the game almost immediately.

After playing cat-and-mouse for two goals, the Leafs were finally...

Welcome To The Party

October 28, 2009

Patrick Storto

4 Comments

The Leafs so far this season have been like that group of friends that’s on its way to a really hyped party but for some reason got off at the wrong exit during a snow storm, but they got lucky and made it there with plenty of time still left in the night. I mean I have no idea what Toskala was thinking getting off at that exit back in Washington and I’m more dumbfounded that they actually let him hold the wheel all the way to New York, good thing they booted him out of the van completely because there was no way he was going to get them through Colorado. Well Leafs fans, it took them long enough, but the Leafs have their very first win of the season. Who do they have to t...

Gustavss-IN?

October 24, 2009

Patrick Storto

15 Comments

No not quite, MacDonald will start once again for the Leafs this evening, however Sportsnet is reporting that there is a chance that Gustavsson could be the back-up tonight instead of Reimer. Gustavsson, who has been out with a groin injury since his first start against the Senators back on October 6th has been anticipated to return on Monday in Anaheim. But the way Gustavsson has been speaking all week, it seemed that there was a chance that he could start tonight in Vancouver. But the coaching staff has made the right decision, there’s no point in rushing him back and risking re-injury. Can the Leafs win tonight? I think they can. They’re pretty much coming off of a By...

Welcome Back

October 13, 2009

Patrick Storto

6 Comments

Tonight marks the return of a player that was once loved in Toronto. In return, he gave everything he could to this city and to this team. He bleeds blue and white and wears his heart on his sleeve. Unlike the other four from the infamous Muskoka Five, he was one that I truly believe did not want to leave because he loved it here. I understand Sundin not wanting to leave, but this guy really loved playing for the Leafs. He was asked to leave and he refused, and as a result he was forced to leave. A hardworking player who wanted to give his all night in and night out was stripped from the team to make room for elite talent that guys like Hagman and Mayers brought to the table. Burk...

The One Game To Rule Them All

October 9, 2009

Ron Guillet

1 Comment

Vesa Toskala and his fellowship of the underachievers will be entering Saturday night’s game with the pressure of Leafs Nation bearing down on their shoulders. If the Finnish netminder is expecting the Toronto Maple Leafs’ fanbase to support him from the onset, he’s in for quite the surprise. After 24-year-old rookie Jonas Gustavsson provided the Leafs with its first display of actual goaltending, it’s hard to imagine how many fans remain who are willing to give Toskala the benefit of the doubt—again. I may be setting myself up for an epic failure, but I’m willing to give Toskala one last shot before hopping aboard “the Monster” bandwagon. Before you scoff, hear me...