The Points are starting to come
November 5th, 2009 | by jays1992 |By Paul Bruno
The Leafs are coming off yet another tough ending of a home game, extending a streak that now reads 0-4-2, following their most recent effort, a 2-1 overtime loss against Tampa.
They now face a back to back scenario that could possibly send a clear message in terms of the goalie situation. Rookie Jonas Gustavsson could see both end s of the doubleheader because he has clearly been the steadier one, as opposed to the shaky Vesa Toskala.
They visit Carolina in Raleigh on Friday before returning home to host the Red Wings on Saturday.
In addition, Jeff Finger will be back in the lineup, replacing Garnet Exelby along the Leaf blueline.
The Leafs have now earned points in five straight games but are still looking for a second win after playing 13 games.
They can also point to a couple of positive signs on the special teams with their play of late. The power-play has been among the league’s best and the penalty killers have shut down the opposition for two games in a row, which is a season-first to date.
These are more examples of the baby steps that this team must take to overcome such a slow start.
At even strength is where the Leafs are in trouble so far this season, being outscored by a two to one ratio. In addition, they have managed to open the scoring in only one game. Through 13 games, that’s hard to do.
The likes of Jason Blake (one goal), John Mitchell (no goals) and Nikolai Kulemin (two goals) need to chip in with some offense soon, or each of them is flirting with some time in the press box.
They need to step up and pull their weight in helping the team’s offensive output.
Phil Kessel will be good, just don’t expect him to come up with 10 shots on goal every time out.
By Scott on Nov 5, 2009
Nice to see my favourite Leaf Jeff Finger back in the lineup. Sure could tell that Ron Wilson liked Kessel’s effort, I’m pretty sure I heard him reference “19 attempted shot” from Phil.
I can’t deny the exciting pace that they’ve been moving at, they’re much better than the standings indicate.
By Andrew on Nov 6, 2009
I think Finger would get more ice time if the commentators would start using his name more when he throws a hit.
“Ohhhhh (other player’s name) just got Fingered!!!”
I honestly thought that was the whole reason we acquired him haha
By John on Nov 6, 2009
The likes of Jason Blake (one goal), John Mitchell (no goals) and Nikolai Kulemin (two goals) need to chip in with some offense soon, or each of them is flirting with some time in the press box.
Wow call a few more names out for the Wings tomorrow night. Here I’ll give it a try.
“Kessel , Komisarek, White, Kessel, Kessel & Ponikarovsky better step it up and produce versus the Wings.”