Last night the Maple Leafs gained a point with a shootout loss to the New York Rangers. Actually, Andersen stole the Leafs a point with a superb goaltending performance making 31 saves (.974 save %).

It was certainly one of the better games Andersen has played this season and hopefully a trend that continues down the home stretch here with 22 games left in the season. Freddie has been quite solid overall this year, giving the Leafs players confidence in their goaltending where they can concentrate on playing their game and let their goaltender make the saves.

To date Andersen has a record of 24-13-11 and sports a 2.76 GAA, .915 save percent and 3 shutouts.

When Toronto acquired Andersen last June for 30th overall pick and a second rounder in 2017 Leafs Nation was thrilled with the biggest hole being filled; a true number one goalie. If I told you Andersen and the new-look Leafs were going to be sitting third in the Atlantic and Andersen would be 24-13-11 you would have thought I was wearing my blue and white goggles.

It’s amazing what stopping the first shot of the game will do for a team’s confidence.

I had mentioned how well Leo Komarov was playing on Wednesday article, and even though he didn’t add another point to his streak, he was very noticeable on the ice. Komarov registered 5 hits, 3 shot blocks, a take away and a couple shots on net. He seems to be playing with a lot of confidence right now which is great for the Leafs as they will need everyone playing balls to the walls if they want to make the playoffs.

The Leafs almost ended the game at the end of the third as well as in overtime with two breakaways. Komarov and Matthews both had phenomenal chances to end the game but Lundqvist turned them away. It really was a goaltending battle last night, both goalies stole the show and it just so happened that the game ended in a lame shootout.

When is the league going to remove the shootout and adjust the overtime accordingly? Soon I hope as the luster of the shootout is gone. I’m all for five minutes of 4 on 4 and then five minutes of 3 on 3 if need be.

With the Montreal Canadiens lined up for Saturday night I expect the Leafs to finally secure a win versus the Habs who they have struggled versus mightily this season. Come on boys, enough is enough; Montreal needs to be kicked while they are down. Get out the steel toes, make it rain; I’d like to see a shellacking to make up for lost time.

October: Leafs 1, Montreal 2
November: Leafs 1, Montreal 2
January: Leafs 3, Montreal 5
February: Leafs are due!

To date Toronto is 6th in goals per game (3.1 GPG), 21st in goals against (2.87 GAA), 1st on the power play (23.1%) and 8th on the penalty kill (83.5%).

With these vast improvements, it shows Babcock has his players playing into the system he has implemented to bring the Leafs success. Just imagine when they tweak their lineup over the summer, the rookies are no longer rookies and everyone has more experience under big Babs. The Leafs will be flourishing in no time, I know it; right now is a little taste of what’s to come.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Go Leafs Go!

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