Monday, October 31, 2011

Maple Leafs split the weekend games

Well the Leafs lost the game you would have thought they couldn't win and then went about losing the game that should have won. The Leafs continue to demonstrate that they will likely continue to compete for a playoff spot. Yet the races will be close again so any extended losing streak will drop you out of the race. Although the Leafs are first in their division and second in the conference, they are still just 4 points from ninth place and no playoff spot.

Here some of the good and bad I saw over the weekend though it was mostly good.

Good - The Leafs finally have two very good offensive lines with Phil Kessel leading the first line and Mikhail Grabovski holding down the second.



Bad - The penalty killing still sucks. The penalty killers gave up 4 goals on 8 chances. They are 27th in penalty killing. I thought the new assistant coaches were going to fix this.



Good - Jonas Gustavsson made some spectacular saves on Saturday including Steve Sullivan point blank in front of the net and James Neal on a breakaway. He showed that he can at least be a decent backup that can win you some games.



Bad - Gustavsson still gives up the odd soft goal which will cost you a game which was the case on Sunday. Hurry back Reims!



Good - After a slow start Clarke MacArthur is finding his stride with 4 goals in the past 3 games. And Phil Kessel scored his 10th on Saturday to hold onto the NHL coring lead.



Bad- Luke Schenn continues to struggle and has dropped down to the 3rd defensive pair and with much less ice time.

Good - Tim Connolly scored on his first shot of the season and has fit in well on the first line.



Bad - Matthew Lombardi appears to be struggling some what getting used to his new team following a 12 month layoff.

Good - Dion Phaneuf seems to be thriving on 26 to 27 minutes of ice time every night.

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