Leafs Set Franchise Record With 12 Straight Games Earning At Least 1 Point

The Maple Leafs stretched their streak without a regulation loss to twelve consecutive games with a solid 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The first two periods were very tightly played between the two teams. The Leafs registered only six shots in each of the first two periods.

The Maple Leafs were unable to figure out a way to penetrate the Lightning’s defensive system as most of the shots in the first two periods were taken from the outside and easily handled by Tampa Bay netminder, Nikolai Khabibulin. In the third period however, the Leafs found a way to get some good inside looks with Roberts eventually scoring the Leafs first goal by jamming in the rebound off a hard Sundin slap shot. Sundin quickly boosted the score to 2-0 in the Leafs’ favour with a power play goal. He took a pass just infront of the net and found a small hole above the shoulder of Khabibulin which he took advantage of with a phenomenal shot.

Matt Stajan returned to the lineup taking the place of Nathan Perrott. In limited ice time, Stajan played quite well generating a couple of chances for his linemates.

Owen Nolan also returned to the lineup taking the spot of Joe Nieuwendyk who could not play after taking a hard shot of his foot in Saturday’s game. Nolan showed a lot of speed and hustle perhaps indicating that his most recent hip aggravation was behind him. Nolan provided a lot of energy especially during penalty killing situations where he aggressively forced and pressured the Lightning attack.

Ed Belfour was his phenomenal self once again keeping the game scoreless until Gary Roberts could break the tie early in the third period. Belfour made twenty-one saves to register his fourth shutout of the season.

The Leafs will attempt to extend their franchise record twelve game point streak on Friday when they travel to Washington for a game against the Capitals.