Leafs Win In Roberts’ and Fitzgerald’s 1000th Game

It was a very special night for two players on the Maple Leafs team last night who went forward to make NHL history. Gary Roberts and Tom Fitzgerald became the first two players in NHL history to ever play their 1000th games as teammates in the same game. With their families looking on, both players had very strong games helping the Leafs to a 4-1 victory over the highly improved Calgary Flames. Fitzgerald capped off his special night by recording a goal in typical Fitzgerald fashion on the forecheck. He caused a turnover down low and then outlasted the Calgary netminder before putting it along the ice under his arm.

As a team, the Leafs devoted a lot more attention to the defensive side of their game. Despite having several key defenders in Klee, Kaberle and Belak out of the lineup, the Leafs played one of their best all around defensive games of the year limiting the Flames to only a handful of chances. Pierre Hedin took Klee’s spot in the lineup and filled in admirably as a partner to Aki Berg. Berg, as well, had a very solid game and seemed to enjoy being the older veteran, helping Hedin gain experience in the North American game. It seemed to give Berg a bit of extra responsibility knowing that he was the “go to guy” on the defense and he seemed to play a much more dependable game.

McCabe is quickly making the transition from adequate NHL defenseman to big time stud or “horse”, if you will. Playing nearly thirty minutes last night, he was solid on the defensive end and added two goals for his second two goal game of the year. Two years ago, McCabe had a solid year offensively but at times seemed to compromise his defense to generate offense. This year; however, he has clearly matured and improved his game as he is producing offensively but is still dependable in his own zone.

The Maple Leafs will play a home and home series with the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday and Saturday. The Flyers have been struggling miserably of late and recently had their star offensive player, Jeremy Roenick suspended for one game.