New Faces, New Story

First of all I am really happy that Raycroft got the start tonight, even though Toskala's is superior to Raycrofts skills, eight consecutive games is FAR too much, especially playing Friday-Saturday this weekend.

The presence of Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe making their return to the lineup was key to the win tonight, although previous to their injury they had merely a combined nine points and were a -10. Most meathead Leaf fans would think that bringing back a guy who scored on his own net in overtime to lose the game in one of the last games he played for the Leafs before getting injured, conveniently he returns to play that same team. But McCabe is a huge part of the Leafs' lineup, along with Tucker, because of the frequent mistakes that the Leafs defense has been making in the neutral zone, giving up 300 odd-man rushes a game.

The Leafs 3-0 win over the Sabres tonight gave Raycroft his first shutout of the season, but I believe it sparked something else. You can blame the Leafs all they want for being shit, but I will argue the fuck out of it. This is the first game they have had their full healthy lineup since early last year. Their powerplay that was once best in the league is now back together, and they finally have an amazing gritty line. The Leafs third line was dominant tonight. Fact. Kilger-Bell-Tucker were by far the most energetic, fast, powerful line out there. You have the hardest slapshot in the world, paired with two guys that will break your nose and then go deal with your sister. And this line definitely doesn't lack speed like most teams' enforcing 3rd/4th line.

Another thing that I really miss from the Leafs powerplay is the big slapper that Caber has from the point that we got a little taste of tonight. Maybe if Caber keeps rockin' the Hulk Hogan handle-bar moustache, we will see that boneriffic slapshot of his more often.

Going deeper into the game, I noticed that the Leafs began to panic in the third period, and taking stupid penalties. It seems to be that whenever the opposing team has the powerplay formation going and has the Leafs scrambling, they start taking hooking and holding penalties. What I thought the Leafs did really well of tonight was not having to many giveaways and odd-man rushes. It seemed that they were trying to play more of a dump-and-chase game, playing it off the board rather than cross-ice neutral zone passes.

Danno's BIG TIME players of the game:

Tonight I really liked the play of Boyd Devereaux. Surprised that he was not a healthy scratch tonight, but rather Pohl, Battaglia, and Belak sat tonight. Devereaux played on the fourth line with Steen and Stajan, and you can't say enough about the Leafs young guys this year, but Devereaux really stood out for me in that line, showing his speed, getting to puck first before the Buffalo players, which is really saying something because the Sabres are a really young, fast team. Also, he seemed to be in the right place at the right time for all the passes, and contributed with the Leafs third goal in the third period. Also, since Devereaux joined the Leafs, he has hustled his ass every single game and every shift looks like it is his first of the game. Thats why Boyd Devereaux is my big time player of the game.

My second big time player of the game was Andrew Raycroft, getting his first start in 9 games, and coming up huge with the shutout. I hate Raycroft. Always have, always will. And I tell you, when he got hit in the throat with the puck tonight, I was hoping his season was over. For two reasons, every shot that is taken on Raycroft, high, low, slapshot, wristshot, doesnt matter. The book is out. He goes down. (You sick fuck, you thought that was gonna be something dirty didn't you?) Anyways, Raycroft played great tonight, getting to the puck really quick, and finally making a save when it is crucial. Oh, and did I mention he had a 30 save shutout, against the dreaded Leafs QEW rivals. That's why Andrew Raycroft is my big time player of the game.

Upcoming Game:

Now, the Leafs head home to the ACC to face the New York Rangers Saturday. Toskala will get the start in net for sure. The Leafs and Rangers are currently tied for 5th in the East with 17 points, but I hope they are aware of the Rangers 8-2-0 home record.

I predict another low scoring affair tomorrow, with the Leafs coming up with the win. Call me crazy, but I think the Leafs could go on a short winning streak here with their full lineup and good PP back.