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 | The Toronto Maple Leafs won their second game in a row last night in Columbus, and I already know what you’re thinking. The two teams they beat were the lowly (I could have said hapless) Buffalo Sabres and the injury riddled Blue Jackets. But as a Leafs fan you take the positive anywhere you can. And for the last two games the boys have played solid hockey, regardless of the opponent. | | Windsor - November 1, 2014 - The Toronto Maple Leafs won their second game in a row last night in Columbus, and I already know what you’re thinking. The two teams they beat were the lowly (I could have said hapless) Buffalo Sabres and the injury riddled Blue Jackets. But as a Leafs fan you take the positive anywhere you can. And for the last two games the boys have played solid hockey, regardless of the opponent.
Leafs forward Daniel Winnik played his 500th career NHL game last night, and he couldn’t have written a better script for it. Winnik, who has been a very nice addition to the Leafs lineup, had a goal and two helpers in the game, and was named the second star. Phil Kessel had another strong game, also putting up three points (1G, 2A) and had first star honours.
The Leafs got a strong effort from the entire team, with notable contributions from David Clarkson, Dion Phaneuf and Nazem Kadri. Clarkson has looked good all season, playing on a very good third line. He tipped in a Dion Phaneuf pass for his
third goal of the season. Kadri also scored his third, on a nice set up from Kessel and Winnik.
The Leafs were without Joffrey Lupul, who broke a bone in his hand in practice earlier in the day. I feel bad for Lupul. The poor guy can’t seem to catch a break so far this season, and currently sits tied for sixth in Leafs scoring with only three points. Lupul had a strong game against the Sabres, and it says here that it’s only a matter of time before the breaks (no pun intended) come his way.
Rounding out the three stars last night was Jonathan Bernier, who faced 29 shots, and improved his numbers to 2.57 GAA and .917 SV%.
Random Game Thoughts
Columbus centre Ryan Johansen had an assist last night, giving him a point in each of the Blue Jackets’ ten games. A team record.
TSN commentator Paul Romanuk had to go and jinx Bernier in the third period by saying that he “has never had back to back shutouts”. Romanuk admitted he’s not superstitious. Really? I couldn’t tell.
Columbus iced a team missing eight regulars including Nathan Horton, Brandon Dubinsky, Boone Jenner, James Wisniewski and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
And please……..I can do without the image of the rather large fella who dances topless in the crowd. The guy either has more self confidence than I’ll ever have, or he gets free tickets.
TC out
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