Mixed results are often the signature of a re-building hockey club. Games one and two of the '08/'09 campaign could not have illustrated that truth any more patently for the in-flux Maple Leafs.
The confidence gained from Thursday's 3-2 triumph in Detroit quickly receded in the ACC last night, as the Leafs could only maintain their tight-checking, fast-skating aggression for a mere half-period before the impressive Canadiens took over and never looked back.
After conceding two goals in quick succession, the Maple Leafs looked flummoxed. The gameplan went out the window and scramble mode took root. It's clear that leadership has yet to be established in this group as a nervous-looking group of youngsters lost their bearings and couldn't regroup. This tentativeness seemed to lead to penalties and giveaways. Credit to them, however, as they never gave up despite the daunting score-line.
A seemingly much-improved penalty killing unit was ruthlessly exposed by the best extra-strength team in all of hockey. Major high-sticking penalties are always unfortunate and John Mitchell's infraction proved a killer as the Habs scored on the front and back end of the four minute man-advantage. It was an absolute exhibition of puck movement as the Habs had their way with the Leafs' penalty-killers.
An off night came at the wrong time from Vesa Toskala as the defense asked a ton of their netminder.
Factor in the goal posts and Antropov's disallowed goal and this wasn't the Leafs' night.
Ron Wilson certainly has a right to be disappointed in this egg-laying performance, but the important part is that he highlights the mistakes and helps this young team learn from them and move on.
Game Notes:
A few positives...
-Grabovski put forth another industrious performance and was one of few mildly bright spots.
-Schenn, who had a rough night otherwise, stood up for Stajan after he was dirtied along the boards.
-It's always tough for a back-up goaltender to step into a hopeless situation in the late stages, but Curtis Joseph played a very strong third period between the posts.
-Schenn escaped even on the night despite a shaky defensive performance.
-What was Jason Blake's over-the-top celebration all about on the 5-1, rebound goal? It struck me as a bit narcissistic at first, but in hindsight I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He went on a frustrating score-less streak at the beginning of last year and he was likely just pleased to have the first one under his belt. But this isn't the first time we've seen something to this effect from Blake.
-Don Cherry was on to something about the faulty two-hands-on-the-stick theory. On Kovalev's goal, Frogren could've used the loose hands to extricate Kovalev from the crease. It makes sense for back-checking forwards but not so much for defensemen battling in the blue-ice. Ron Wilson has forgotten more about hockey than I could ever hope to learn, but this doesn't make sense to me.
-The Leafs could not clear the zone as efficiently as they did in Detroit. Once Montreal sets up shop in the offensive zone, it spells trouble.
-Matt Stajan was poor again last night. You have to figure Stajan doesn't have much longer before he winds up in the press box or with a ticket out of town.
-Leafs' Faceoff Percentage through 2 games: 50 wins and 78 losses for a .391 winning percentage.
Prior to Thursday, I think most would be pleased if told the Leafs would split a pair of games against the Canadiens and Red Wings to start the season, although last night's drubbing certainly leaves a sour taste in one's mouth.
Tomorrow afternoon's tilt against the St. Louis Blues should be a more telling test for this Leafs team. I expect they'll come out with some fire in their eyes and jump in their step.
***
Quick Rumour Hit:
I've been hearing of negotiations between the Coyotes and Leafs since early September, so I believe Eklund may be on to something here. Mike Van Ryn, Carlo Colaiacovo, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Ian White and Matt Stajan have all been talked about by Fletcher and his old cohorts in the Desert, according to a source. Cliff also has a definite interest in Marian Gaborik (who doesn't?), but may not have the assets to compete with other suitors.
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