Blues Stop Streaking Leafs

All the excitement that was created with under thirty seconds left after Joe Nieuwendyk scored the tying goal quickly was taken away with Chris Pronger’s game winner on the power play in overtime. Compared with the way the Leafs have played over the past eight games, they did not look as sharp in last night’s game. The defense of St. Louis should be given a lot of credit as they were able to shut down the powerful and confident Maple Leaf offense that had been firing on all cylinders during their winning streak.

Unable to establish a good forecheck or many odd man rushes left the Leafs powerful offensive attack struggling to get quality scoring opportunities. The Blues were able to keep the play in the Maple Leafs zone for a good portion of the game. The Leafs were held to only nine shots over the first two periods by the efficient defense of the Blues backed by Chris Pronger who had a strong game.

Mats Sundin had a strong game for the Maple Leafs contributing on both goals that the Maple Leafs scored. Sundin scored late in the second period to put the Leafs within one goal going into the third period. Late in the third period with Tom Fitzgerald serving a double minor penalty for high-sticking, Quinn pulled Ed Belfour to get the Leafs back to even strength. Sundin got the puck and set up behind the net feeding Joe Nieuwendyk in the slot to tie the game with less than thirty seconds left. It looked as though more Maple Leaf magic would carry the team to their ninth win in a row; however, while still short handed in overtime, the Blues quickly set up an attack and scored the winner ending the Leafs winning streak.

Owen Nolan left last night’s game at the second intermission with a reoccurrence of a hip injury that troubled him during last year’s playoffs. Early prognosis is that it is not a very serious aggravation and that he may be ready for Thursday’s game in Minnesota. If he cannot play Thursday, Nik Antropov may play his first game after a long absence recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in late October.