Leafs Cannot Get It Done In Boston

The Leafs went into Boston last night after spending New Year’s Eve back in Toronto to finish up their four game road trip that had not gone as well as hoped. Again, defensive coverage seemed to be the Leafs’ problem as it has been over the past four or five games. Trying plays that were much to fancy for the situation they were in and lack of communication during routine situations led to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Boston Bruins. The Leafs allowed forty-one shots during last night’s game and close to forty shots on Monday against Florida. This is far too many shots to be giving up and it also puts far too much stress on Ed Belfour to win the game singled handedly.

Matt Stajan played a very strong game for the Maple Leafs scoring the Leafs’ first goal and helping the fourth line to generate several other good scoring opportunities. Playing with a great deal of energy, Stajan and his linemates, Wade Belak and Tie Domi, were probably the best line for the Maple Leafs last night.

Despite the poor play of the last four games, there is certainly nothing to get concerned about and certainly no reason for all the casual fans to start trying to redeem their bandwagon ticket. The Leafs still sit in first place overall and with Buffalo and Pittsburg up next, these games can be used as opportunities to get back to the basics of what allowed them to get the point streak going. Buffalo will probably come out with a very good effort; however, if the Leafs play their game, there is no reason why the Leafs should not win this game.