An analogy used often regarding former Leaf goalie Grant Fuhr was that he could allow 4 or 5 goals in a game, but when the outcome of the game was in the balance, he would make that key save at the opportune time. In his second NHL start, Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson displayed that trait by making numerous big saves in the first two periods that prevented the Anaheim Ducks from getting back into the game. Gustavsson, who tweaked his groin in his first start on October 6th vs. Ottawa, was calm, composed and sharp making 25 saves in a 6-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

The Leafs managed not to repeat the numerous mistakes that had plagued them in the first 8 games. They punished every Anaheim forward that attempted to crash the net, they did not take the lazy penalties with the frequency that we’ve become accustomed and when the Ducks played undisciplined and gave the Leafs multiple power play opportunities, they took advantage by scoring 4 power play goals. Niklas Hagman scored his 1st hat trick as a Leaf, Tomas Kaberle had 5 points(1G, 4A) and Lee Stempniak had 4 points (1 G, 3 A). Leafs enforcer Colton Orr will probably face a review from the NHL offices due to his shoving an official during his fight with Ducks pugilist George Parros.

The Leafs need to repeat the things they did correctly last night if they hope to continue winning and climb in the standings. They have not displayed enough consistency to win on a regular basis, but the effort in the last two games has been encouraging. Tonight, Toronto can be called “Winnerville”.

From the desk of Mike “In Buffalo” Augello

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