Leafs Pass Big Test But Loose Some Bodies Doing It

Though the Maple Leafs just finished playing back to back games against the lowly Pittsburg Penguins and the starless Nashville Predators, winning both of them along the way, it was clearly evident that the Leafs were at the top of their game. Disposing easily of the Penguins 5-0 and fighting back in the third period against the Predators for their first victory of the season when trailing after two periods showed the Leafs are ready to take on the best. Both victories came with backup goalie Trevor Kidd in the net. Historically, the Leafs always struggled against the lower lights of the NHL; however, this season, they have seemed to play much better against these teams realizing two points against Pittsburg are worth as much as two points against Philadelphia.

Despite their victory, the Leafs lost two more players in last night’s game. Tomas Kaberle was crunched by Gary Roberts on an accidental collision at the blueline as they tried to cut across the ice. Kaberle strained his shoulder on the play. Wade Belak also went down with a knee injury after attempting to throw a body check and landing awkwardly on his knee. This adds Kaberle and Belak to the already lengthy list of injuries which includes Nolan, Mogilny, Reichel and Belfour.

Bryan McCabe had a great game last night as he was a force on defense and scored both Maple Leaf goals on set ups by Mats Sundin. Sundin was lucky to be around for the third period as he accidentally threw his stick into the crowd in disgust after it broke during a great chance. The referees determined that it was not intentional thus not assessing a penalty on the play. Had the incident been deemed to be intentional, Sundin could have been assessed a match penalty meaning his team would have been shorthanded, he also would have been kicked out of the game and the play would have been reviewed for a possible suspension.

The Leafs will take on the Senators and the Devils this coming Thursday and Saturday, respectively. These will be good tests for the Leafs as both these teams are very good. With many regulars on the shelf, these games could be quite difficult for the Leafs though.