Leetch Foils Flyers

In his first seven games as a Maple Leaf, Brian Leetch has done everything that was expected of him when he was acquired by the Leafs earlier in the month. Registering eight assists and playing very well in the defensive end, Leetch has been an excellent addition to the Leafs defense. The only thing he had not done was score a goal. Well, Leetch took care of that detail last night times two against the Philadelphia Flyers helping the Leafs to an important 3-2 win against a team they had not beaten all year.

Despite a convincing effort last night on the penalty kill including a lengthy stretch with two penalty killers without sticks, the amount of penalties the Leafs take is still quite concerning. It could be argued the Leafs “got away with one” last night against the best power play team in the league which they gave numerous chances including two situations where they were two men down. It will be very difficult for the Leafs to have any postseason success if they continue to take so many needless penalties as teams with good power plays will not miss many opportunities that are given to them.

Coach Pat Quinn should also be given some credit in last night’s win as he made a number of decisions both before and during the game that put the Leafs in the best position to succeed.

With the amount of extra quality players the Leafs have right now; they have the luxury of matching their players against opponents they will be most successful against. Quinn took advantage of this last night by realising their opponent is a very big and physical team and set his lineup accordingly. Quinn sat smaller, less physical players including Tomas Kaberle and Matt Stajan in favour of punishing defenseman Bryan Marchment and Wade Belak. Against less physical teams, look for Stajan and Kaberle to be back in the lineup as their speed and agility can be used as assets in breaking down the trap.

Quinn also decided to leave the number one power play unit on the ice for the second part of the two man advantage they had which resulted in Brian Leetch’s first goal as a Maple Leaf.

The Leafs will take on the Colorado Avalanche in their only meeting of the season on Saturday.