An Enigma is defined as something of a mystery; something that is so baffling that it cannot be explained. Its remains one of nature's secrets. That in a nutshell is how we describe our Toronto Maple Leafs. In some of my previous postings, I mentioned that the Leafs need to inject this team with some youth. They need fresh legs, fresh eyes and fresh sticks on the Air Canada Centre Ice not wearing an away jersey (don't get me started on the fact away jersey's are white, I still hate that). Tonight's hockey game was simply put, the best the Maple Leafs have put together and won in a very long time. There have been stretches in the season where the Leafs probably deserved to win, but didn't because they weren't skilled enough. Tonight was not the case.
First off, before I report the score, let me first wish a heart felt congratulations to Tyler Bozak, in his third career NHL game, the 23 year old product of the University of Denver and an undrafted free agent signing of Brian Burke who scored his first (hopefully of many) NHL goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a beauty...a lot of players have to lie to their grandkids in the future about how awesome their first goal was..Tyler can tell them the truth! Lets not forget this kid played his first NHL game against Colorado at the ACC (his classmates must have loved watching the game on Altitude) and then he got an injury and lost 13 pounds because of a fight with H1N1 this year. He also has 4 points in three NHL career games...if anyone is keeping track, that's 1.33333333333 points per game.
The final score tonight was 4-0, and boy did the Leafs play well. They finished checks, made passes and forced Philadelphia into uncomfortable situations. Added into tonight's lineup was Jay Rosehill (a rookie) who plays more of an enforcer role on the team, but can also play a little finnesse. I've noticed that trend, these tough guys have soft hands...I don't get it. Also returning to the lineup was Carl Gunnarson who was out with an injury. He's probably the biggest gem on the Leafs defense core. If he can pull it together and Scheen start to score like he has recently, the youth of Toronto's defense may be ready and mature to come up.
So that brings us to tomorrow. Does Vesa start after getting a shut out against Philadelphia? Lets not forget, tomorrow night is against the Washington Capitals, who have Semin, Backstrom and oh yeah a guy by the name of Alexander Ovechkin. Ovi also loves to light the lamp against the Maple Leafs (do I see a trend in the league about that). He's also the Capitals Captains...say that 10 times...
Does Vesa start, I think so, but against the fire power of Washington, he's got to be on a short leash. The Leafs start a 5 game road trip, which should hopefully produce some wins. If they can optimistically go 3 for 5, I'll call it a success...
Anyways terrific game, and hopefully they can start a rebound...or at least get out of the top 5 in the pick so that Boston's not licking their chops...(if Toronto's pick is a top 5 pick...Boston will dangle the Leafs pick and their own first round pick and probably the Leafs second round pick to the first overall winner in order to get Tyler Hall...that's my prediction right there...)
Stay safe...supposed to warm up so don't let the Ice melt under your feet...
Cheers
Follow me on Twitter @jollybenjabi
The leafs are very inconsistent with how they play. One day they will beat Philly, but they'll lose to Carolina. They are being ridiculous. They have the potential, so they might as well muster it up and use it. Play each game to the fullest. Come on, it has been 42 years going to 43. Leafs have to stop half assing it. Attempting to end this on a high note though, congratulations TML on the great win.
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