Game Recap: Bruins 2 - Leafs 1

Aubin deserved better than that finish. He won the team that point, making numerous miraculous saves when they needed them. Good for him for playing so solid.

Looked like the Buds were skating in quicksand tonight. Not the terrible effort that the put out against Florida a few weeks back, but just couldn't seem to get anything going. Give credit where it is due, the Bruins played a really solid defensive game. Virtually no scoring chances for the Leafs, almost every shot from the perimeter.

Is the Bates Battaglia experiment over yet? I give the guy marks for effort, but he has no ability to make or accept a pass, or apparently hit the net with a shot.

I honestly don't think that Kyle Wellwood could could break a pane of glass with his shot. I know using a kid-sized stick gives him better control of the puck, but geez, this guy needs to hit the gym or something.

The Good:

Aubin was spectacular. Maybe the best game a Leaf keeper has played this season.

Pohl looked pretty good, the little time he was out there, but he didn't play enough to give an honest assessment.

Kaberle looks like he woke up a few weeks ago and decided to take the league by storm. He is leading rushes, jumping into odd-man situation, playing down low and was easily the Leafs most potent offensive player tonight.

The Bad:

Kubina looked shaky. Mark this up to the amount of time away from the rink, but he looked to be second-guessing himself all night. One play during the third captured it. Kubina is moving on the right boards out of the Buds zone, and instead of making a break-out pass, or lugging the puck himself, he kind of stops and starts looking around. He then starts to panic, and defers to Ian White to break the play out. Yep, Ian White the rookie. I expect his play will round out once he gets his legs back, so this really isn't a worry.

The Ugly:

Wade Belak. Even typing those words makes me cringe. Belak should not be playing in the NHL, period.

On a more general note, the Leafs face-off men were, collectively, brutal tonight. Honestly, the Leafs get tossed from about a million faceoffs (I was counting), and had no 'Plan B' when they did. NHL.com had the Leafs winning 30 of the 54 face-offs, but it sure didn't seem like it to be honest.

Saturday, the Devils are in town. The way Aubin played tonight, I give him the start and give Raycroft another weekend to heal-up.

Game Recap: Leafs 5 - Habs 1

Complete domination of the Habs by the Leafs. Out-shot them 42 to 26, with the Leafs missing an amazing 22 shots...

This game was won by hard-work and pure determination. The Leafs won virtually every battle along the boards, and save for a few isolated shifts, were able to keep the Habs on the outside looking in.

Aubin looked a little shaky, but the Habs really didn't generate many great chances. Ponikarovsky is really starting to turn into a legitimate first-line power forward. He is big, strong and quick. He may be the toughest Leaf player to get the puck off of along the boards, and is completely fearless in driving the net.

Crow Time:

I'm not sure what the guy skating around in jersey #80 has done with the real Nik Antropov, but he is a welcome addition. He looks, gulp, dominant? I don't want to overstate his play, but his work with Poni over the past 3 games has been stellar. He also appears to have caught on to the Leafs welcome addiction to shooting the puck, averaging four shots on goal a game, and has four goals. If he can keep up this type of play, I will happily eat my previous words...

Game Recap: Panthers 4 - Leafs 2

The Leafs had no business being in this game. I actually was hoping that they wouldn't come back to tie it, they were so undeserving of it. What a frickin joke. How much are these guys making again?

I'll say it... I thought Gill was OK. Aubin played well too, considering he faced around 60 shots through two periods.

Other than that, putrid. McCabe? Putrid. Kilger? Putrid. Seriously, I know players can't play 100% full out each and every night, but why is it that every three to four games this team absolutely mails it in? They didn't even try tonight. I'd say they had a case of the Mondays, but then I'd probably have to kill myself.

No hitting, no puck control, lost each and every puck battle.... you name it, they sucked at it.

One thing I have noticed this season with some regularity is a startling lack of in-game 'adjustment' by the Leafs. They either have the right game-plan, come out and throw 50 shots and the kitchen sink at the opposition, or they get stymied, stop skating, and fold.

Very discouraging, especially against teams who can adapt, like Buffalo.

I'll call it now, Sabred 14, Leafs 1 if they play like they did tonight on Saturday. Daniel Briere and company are going to absolutely destroy this lazy bunch.

Game Recap: Leafs 4 - Thrashers 2

What a brutal game. Neither team played like they even cared if they won this game... and if not for some excessive penalty time in the opening ten minutes, this game would have basically been a 0-0 snoozefest.

Honestly, is there a rink in the league with worse ice that the Air Canada Centre? The puck was bouncing around like a superball out there, with at least half a dozen passes hopping over sticks. Getting any flow going in either direction was basically impossible, so I suppose that may account for the poor display.

Bowen and Neale commented a few times on the length of the shifts by Kovalchuk, and from what I saw, he certainly seems to be floating on the last half of them. According to NHL.com, he had 27:35 of ice-time, which is mind-blowing considering he basically sat on the bench for the eight plus minutes the Leafs spent on the PP. Honestly, he must be a coaches nightmare... too valuable and dangerous to bench, but so bad defensively that you can't put him out there when the game is on the line.

The Good:

Kaberle looks to have found his game, seemed to be in much better control, and much more sure of himself. Really, is there a better tonic for what ails a hockey player than a hat-trick?

Raycroft looked sharper, which was nice to see considering how bad he has looked over his past few starts. I hope Aubin can keep pushing him.

Jeff O'Neill is quietly having a solid start to the season, which is just what the doctor ordered. Five goals, eight points in 13 games, and most impressively, a plus 1 for the season. Remember folks, this is the guy who had a team worst -19 last season.

The Bad:

A few of the Flames er, Thrashers were running around out there taking more than a few liberties, and nobody decided to put a stop to it. This is becoming a bit of a disturbing trend in my opinion... am I the only one that misses the odd hockey fight?

Wellwood looked like he was playing hung-over. Couldn't make or take a pass all night, used his creative streak to take the lazy way out numerous times. A few more games like this and he 'll be watching the top line from the bench.

The Ugly:

Bryan McCabe. Routinely getting beat to pucks, losing battles, making poor decisions, etc. If this guy isn't scoring, he simply isn't very good. And he isn't scoring.

Alex Steen looked horrible AGAIN, not sure what is going on here. Last season, he had jump, hit, scored and seemed to be one of the quicker players on the Leafs. This season, he just looks bored. Methinks the pressure to put a few points on the board is really getting to him.

Oy Vey... Sens 7 - Leafs 2

So, uh, how 'bout them Sabres?

What a spectacular performance. Kaberle, McCabe, Sundin, Raycroft, etc, etc should all send their pay cheques back to MLSE after that disaster of a game. Oh, that's right, games. What a showing by our big guns. They really stepped up and displayed the kind of determination and heart that a team that is short on talent will need to make the playoffs this season.

The only guys with any consistent jump were Stajan, O'Neill, Peca and Poni. The rest of the guys weren't even worth mentioning, not even worth the digital ink.

Does anyone on this squad even care? When the Sens were taking runs at each and every Leaf out there during the opening minutes, did they not say to themselves, 'Hey, my fellow millionaires, maybe we should actually respond, and you know, not embarrass ourselves out here for the second night in a row?'.

The first five games of the season are looking more and more like an aberration. It is clear that unless we can get some stability on the D, and McCabe and Kaberle can manage to pull their collective heads out of their asses, this is not a playoff team.

Game Recap: Avs 4 - Leafs 1

Seems like the team had a huge let-down tonight, following the big Saturday night win and the 500th goal... in short, they played brutal. Sundin was given a golf vacation to Ireland by his teamates for the milestone, and it looked like most of the guys spent the game dreaming of the emerald isle.

Scary thought, I had a flashback to the Leafs team of last February, rather than last week. Losing most puck battles, not getting shots on net, and I swear they didn't string more than one pass together all night.

The last half of the game was played on what appeared to be slush. The Sundin line was ineffective, and clearly Jay Harrison is not an NHL-ready defenseman.

The Good:

Hard to find anything positive in this match, as the Leafs failed to generate any scoring chances, failed to establish any forecheck and failed to basically show up.

The Bad:

Mike Peca might have been the least worst Leaf forward tonight. He made a number of sound plays, and probably saved at least one goal with his smart decisions. Took yet another penalty, which is a no-no for this penalty-killer deficient team.

Matt Stajan also had a few good chances, and was one of few Leafs that managed to actually maintain puck control in the Avs zone.

The Ugly:

How about everyone but Stajan and Peca...

The entire Sundin line was outplayed by the Sakic line, Ponikarovsky and Kilger were AWOL and Raycroft let in a few softies.

As I mentioned earlier, Harrison is not NHL ready... which isn't entirely his fault, but he looked very shaky and took a few penalties to boot. Hal Gill was his usual self, meaning he should be the #5 guy, but is playing #3 minutes. Kubina can't come back quick enough.

Special mention goes to the ice at the ACC, which must be the worst in the NHL. The Leafs are looking to play an up-tempo game that features lots of passing and forward movement, but the puck has been bouncing around like a super-ball all season at home. If they can't figure out the problems in the next month or so, this issue could really start to cost a skating team like the Leafs points in the standings. Absolutely inexcusable given the resources of MLSE. Seriously, pay the guy from Edmonton to come in and show the ACC people how to fix the problems.

Game Recap: Leafs 2 - Panthers 1 (SO)

The first home win of the season for the Leafs, although they could have easily lost thanks to Auld... his performance was something special.

The Leafs dominated large sections of the game, and had five or six point blank chances, including numerous posts. Auld stood on his head, and really deserved better than a shut-out loss. Good for Leafs TV for at least giving him the first star.

Late in the game, an awkward looking collision between Bertuzzi and Kubina, and it looks like Kubina mave have popped his knee. It didn't look good as he left, which will mean Belak will be back on D if he misses any time. He has easily been the most steady Leaf D-man in the last three games, he will be missed.

I hate the shootout, even if the Buds win, but they were full marks for the two points tonight. Nice job Tucker!

The Good:

Kyle Wellwood was easily the most dangerous player on the ice. His skating has really improved, and he was flying around the ice in Briere-esque fashion. His ability to handle the puck at top speed is really helping his game develop rapidly.

Great goaltending again from Raycroft, although his one area of weakness, his lateral movement, was exposed on more than one occasion. However, he played well (again) and is showing no signs of repeating last years debacle.

Hal Gill. Yep, that Hal Gill. He used his size to handle Bertuzi down low more than once, and used his reach to break up a number of Panther rushes. He didn't try to do too much, and played a solid game.

Peca was almost 100% on face offs tonight, and while he isn't showing up on the scoresheet, he does so many little things right. Steen also had an effective match, generating a few chances and playing smart responsible hockey.

The Bad:

The Leafs powerplay group gets a nod here, as they had some trouble dealing with the high-pressure of the Panthers penalty killers and failed to generate many scoring chances.

Tomas Kaberle seems to be suffering in the past few games with his legs. He started the first game of the season strong, but in recent games has been missing his typically fluid skating. It may be that the time he missed during camp is catching up with him.

The Ugly:

Ponikarovsky had a rough game, missing many passes, opportunities and ultimately taking a stupid penalty while the Leafs were already down a man. He hasn't been as effective this season as he was last, and Maurice pulled him from the #1 line late in favor of Darcy Tucker, who played very well. He has yet to bring his A game to the table, we'll see if his late-game demotion gives him a kick in the butt.

Game Recap: Canadiens 3 - Leafs 2 (SO)

No detailed break-down on the Habs game, as I didn't really get to watch it as closely as normal. Needless to say I thought that Toronto played very well, and if not for Aebisher playing out of his melon, it would have been an easy Leaf victory. Nice to see the powerplay looking as dangerous as it does. Marurice has done a great job of preparing the Leafs to deal with teams jamming up on McCabe. Wellwood has looked like money in the bank on Sundin's wing so far, and has been masterful on the powerplay with his down-low puck control.

Given what I have seen from the Habs so far this year, I think they will have no problem making the post-season. Actually, if the North-east was to be decided today purely on how teams have played, it would be 1) Sabres, 2) Montreal & Leafs, 4) Ottawa, 5) Bruins.

Still waiting for the Sens to turn around a disappointing start. Scary thing is, their defense has looked (and played) absolutely brutally. Redden is a legend for his give-aways when pressured, but it would appear that the loss of Chara IS having an impact, at least early in the season. Redden and Phillips look lost, Mezaros and Volchenkov look out-classed. My thoughts? They simply aren't getting enough support from their forwards. Alfredsson has been invisible to date, Spezza is at his floaty best, and I don't think Heatley has actually stepped into his own end yet this season.

Game Puck: Aebisher, who I thought played outstanding. If Montreal can get this type of goalkeeping from their backup, they are in great shape.

Game Recap: Leafs 6 - Senators 0

Wow, what a difference 24 hours can make. The Leafs decided to play with a little pride tonight, and boy did it show. Instead of playing hesitant, listless, lazy hockey, the Buds forechecked the Sens into the end of the rink, finished each and every check, and capitalized on their chances.

Simply put, that game might have been the worst beating that the Leafs have ever put on the Sens. Not that it is a huge game, being the second of the season, but this sets the tone in so many ways for the coming season. The Leafs went into their barn and made a statement that is sure to be heard loud and clear.

Raycroft played great and gets the shutout. Other Leaf forwards stepped up and carried the load. Only on D did the Leafs still struggle tonight, but their struggles were nothing compared to the Sens. Remember, this is a Sens squad missing two very solid players in Preissing and Corvo, and as the minutes started to mount, it really showed. Chris Phillips looked shell-shocked most of the game, and continued to look lost playing on his off-side. He does not seem comfortable playing the kind of minutes the Sens expect out of him (as of yet), it will be interesting to see if he can make the jump from a #3-4 guy to their prime defensive d-man behind Redden.

Apparently the search party put out by Sens coach Brian Murray and his staff were unable to locate Alfredsson before game-time. To me, he looks like he is holding back slightly, as if he may be protecting/nursing an injury.

The Good:

Almost every single forward to a man played a much better game, save for Sundin and Peca who simply continued their above average play from opening night. Wellwood, with four assists, showed the kind of puck wizardry that we haven't seen in Hogtown in years. Steen forechecked effectively and played a more physical game. Kilger and Tucker both decided to start their seasons this evening after the non-show on Wednesday night, and they both played solid games, contributing two goals apiece.

Raycroft made some great saves, and seemed very steady and sure. Even O'Neill played a decent game, with a few chances and some very effective shifts, hemming the puck in the Senators end for long stretches.

McCabe was marginally better and Kaberle marginally worse than their previous outing. The Woz played better (not hard to do) and White looked more sure of himself, making more than a few nice up-ice moves with the biscuit. However, it was Kubina who takes the honours tonight for best defenseman on the ice. He played solid D (to my mild surprise), taking efficient and direct lines to the puck and generally winning the battles. He didn't get much of an opportunity to flash his offensive credentials, but there were signs that he was more than capable of jumping up when the opportunity arises. Great first game for him in the Blue and White.

The Bad:

I hate to have anyone in this category when the Leafs win big against Ottawa, but Mr. Gill still needs to work on his game. Countless turnovers, including at least two right behind the Leaf net resulting in excellent chances for Ottawa. This guy needs to figure out how to eat the puck, because unless he can figure out how to properly clear it from his own zone, that is his only hope of playing sound D it would appear. Yikes man!

The Ugly:

C'mon, on a night when the Sens get pounded 6-0, do you think I would be such a kill-joy and list somebody in here?

Can't wait for the Habs on Saturday, as always this game should be a classic!

Game Recap: Senators 4 - Leafs 1

Well... what to say. The Leafs came out very strong, had the first three or four solid chances of the evening, but Gerber stood tall. The game settled into a fairly bland pace, with Wade Belak taking a few silly penalties. Some decent chances both ways, with the Sens capitalizing on them more effectively than the Leafs. An empty-netter made it a 4-1 final for the visitors.

You know, in past seasons, I would have been bitterly disappointed with the outcome, but for some reason I was almost satisfied that they were even able to hang with the Sens. Sad really.

Oh, and I'll save Damian Cox the time... this team couldn't score their way out of a wet paper bag. It is going to be a long season for Mr. Sundin.

The Good:

There were a few (and just a few) positives to take away from the game. Sundin was, besides Gerber, the best player on the ice. Great in the faceoff circle, played with an edge, scored the only goal and had numerous chances.

Peca made an impressive showing as well, he seemed to be playing with a little fire in his belly and did a very decent job winning key draws and generally playing a sound game.

Although allowing three goals on 31 shots, Raycroft seemed to be in control (of both his movements and the rebounds), and really did not give up any 'softies'. The issue here is the 31 shots, not really the three goals. If he plays like this for the rest of the season, goaltending won't be the Leafs #1 concern.

I thought Pohl would have shown more in the offensive zone, but he was very sound in his own end, winning a couple of key faceoffs. A good solid start that he will be able to build off.

Kaberle looked to be skating in a different gear than the rest of the players out there, moving the puck up the ice with a fluid ease. He actually shot the puck a couple of times as well (mark your calendars!)

Finally, I thought Kyle Wellwood played a slightly above average game, generating a few chances, and as the game progressed, he looked more comfortable on the wing. Did a nice job on the PP when Ottawa was crowding McCabe, forcing the Leafs to go to plan B.

The Bad:

Where to begin. So many players looked disinterested it isn't even funny.

Kilger and Tucker were invisible (I honestly had to go to the gamesheet to verify that they played in the first period), Steen & Stajan both looked like they were in way over their heads, maybe the worst game I have seen either of them play. They were both coughing up the puck with regularity and neither were able to establish a forecheck with any real results. Ponikarovsky did not appear to be able to keep up with Mats on half the plays tonight, and when he could he flubbed the passes/chances.

On D, McCabe looked like he was using his stick upside down half the night, and White might have played his worst game in his brief stint with the Leafs.

The Ugly:

Wade Belak. This guy got thrown into a bad situation (first game back on D in almost a year against the speedy Sens), but at this point in his NHL career, he should understand how to physically skate backwards. And the bad penalties... oy vey!

Wozniewski looked like he belonged back in junior tonight. Chalk it up to opening night jitters, but he was brutal. Maybe the only guy on the ice coughing up the puck more than Steen & Stajan.

Hal Gill is not worth $2 million, period. I know, big shock (especially to anyone who ever watched a Bruins game), but this guy simply cannot keep up with the play. He is late arriving to the offensive blueline, and late getting back. By the time he gets going with any speed in any particular direction, the play is inevitably already going the other way. Think Nik Antropov, but slower and playing 5 more minutes a game. Let's hope that Maurice can hide him in the #5-6 slot at 10-14 minutes a game in the coming weeks.

Suglobov looked to be shell-shocked by the whole experience. He looked confused out there, not sure if he was supposed to actually try to score, or to play 'defense'. It's clear he doesn't know how to do the latter, as his game tonight looked as natural as a monkey trying to hump a football. He can't be a fourth line player. He either needs to be on a scoring line, or he needs to be in the minors. Fourth-line grinding is a waste, because he simply is incapable of doing it.

I won't even get started on Jeff O'Neill. He shouldn't be in the lineup right now, and I think his ice-time tonight reflects that Maurice feels the same way. No passion, no chances, no real reason to give him any more ice-time, IMO. Damn, I hate even typing that, I used to be the biggest O'Neill booster...

Only 24 hours till round 2, lets hope it isn't another snooze-fest.

Oh, and am I the only one that was plain ol' shocked with how crappy Alfredsson played? He looked like he wanted to be somewhere else out there all night. Very strange performance from a consummate professional.