Monster Win

By Paul Bruno

Finally, a victory for Leaf Nation to enjoy.

With the effort they put in during their game in Vancouver, on Saturday, you could see this coming.

Lots of positives, but it begins with a couple of extraordinary saves that kept the Leafs in the game during the first period. That was a fundamental difference in this game. Even though they gave up the first goal (as they have in each game so far, and on a play where the goal should not have counted, due to goalie interference) the Leafs showed some gumption on this night.

Jonas Gustavsson finally got to strut his stuff and he took full advantage of the opportunity, showing no ill effects of his groin troubles.

The Leafs also expected a physical challenge from one of the toughest teams in the league and they didn’t back down.

Even the mild-mannered Niklas Hagman dropped his gloves on this night where he earned the first Leaf hat-trick in almost two years. He showed, for the second straight game that if you give him time, he will beat you with his accurate shot.

Matt Stajan was somewhat overshadowed by Hagman’s effort, but it was his superb passing that led to three goals and makes Leaf fans feel like they may a center who can play the role of set-up man for Phil Kessel when he finally suits up for Toronto.

The power-play had a field day on this night as Tomas Kaberle quarterbacked it with a flair we haven’t seen out of him in a couple of years. His five point-effort was a career best.

Lee Stempniak was finally rewarded for all his recent hard work, with a four point night of his own.

The biggest aspect of the win is obvious. Now the Leafs can settle down and focus on the next game with a little less pressure on them. 

It’s funny how one win might change their entire outlook.

Tags: jonas gustavsson, Lee Stempniak, Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, tomas kaberle, Toronto Maple Leafs