Giguere’s shutout string put to test tonight against San Jose

The Leafs new number one goalie has made an unprecedented debut with shutouts in his first two starts for the Leafs

If you have watched Toronto on a regular basis this season, this level of play is diametrically opposed to the quality of performances delivered by the departed Vesa Toskala and the young prospect, Jonas Gustavsson.

These guys have looked like they were struggling with basic elements of the game.

Moving from side to side, coming out of their crease to cut angles, rebound control and moving the puck to their defensemen has been an issue all year long.

Giguere has played with an economy of movement and just seems to get his body in front of every shot with relative ease.

Contrary to the other goalies, there is no panic in his game.

That calm translates to the rest of the club.

It looks like this trade with Anaheim has the potential for a bigger payoff than anticipated at first blush. But, now the early returns are two-fold. On one hand, the Leafs have the potential for a nice teacher-pupil goalie tandem in place and on the other, they have rid themselves of the onerous contract of an underperforming forward in Jason Blake.

These are proactive steps, with credit to GM Brian Burke for continuing to lay a proper foundation.

Grading Burke’s efforts in year one won’t come down solely to the team’s record. It should also include his ability to bring in a top notch goal scorer (Phil Kessel) and a leader-type, skilled defenseman (Dion Phaneuf).

It looks like he has also added a capable goalie, who will play with poise and has quickly earned his teammates’ trust (J S Giguere).

We would be remiss if we didn’t end this column without extending our sincerest condolences to the Burke Family for their loss with the tragic passing of son, Brendan.

Tags: brian burke, Dion Phaneuf, J S Giguere, Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs