Strong Effort Wasted Against Hurricanes

For fifty eight and a half minutes against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night at the RBC Centre in Raleigh, it looked like the Maple Leafs were ready to slot a commanding victory in their win column against the same team that beat them 7-1 at Air Canada Centre back in early October. However, once Carolina scored their first goal at the 18:35 mark of the third period, it showed that while much has changed for the Maple Leafs since that crushing defeat on home ice, they are still a very fragile team, especially with a lead in the third period.

After starting slowly in the first period, Vesa Toskala provided an example of the much improved netminding he has provided the Maple Leafs with of late by weathering the storm and keeping the game scoreless. Carolina went on a two man advantage late in the first period but the Maple Leafs efficiently killed that penalty leading to a Boyd Deveraux goal – his third in his last three games – with just over two minutes remaining in the opening frame.

The Maple Leafs controlled the second period playing exceptional “road-style hockey”. They kept things simple and limited Carolina’s offensive chances with efficiency in their own zone. While holding the Hurricanes to only to only four shots in the middle frame, Tomas Kaberle scored late in the period on a power play to grow the lead to two goals.

In the third period, the Maple Leafs effectively shut down the Hurricanes’ attack and Vesa Toskala appeared on his way to another shutout. Cory Stillman scored late in the period to put the Hurricanes on the board. Less than a minute later, Ray Whitney tied the game for the Hurricanes with the Maple Leafs looking flustered and unorganized after allowing the first Carolina goal.

The Maple Leafs got into penalty trouble in the overtime period allowing Scott Walker to win the game for Carolina with a power play goal.

The Maple Leafs continue their road trip Thursday in Tampa Bay against the Lightning.