tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

The Flame Of Hope Is Still Flickering: Leafs Win 4-3

Back in the 80's, the Maple Leafs scored an end of the game win against the St. Louis Blues on a late goal by Miroslav Frycer.  Hall of Fame broadcaster Danny Gallivan was calling the game as Leaf broadcaster Bill Hewitt was ill.  As Frycer and his teammates celebrated the game winning goal, I'll never forget Gallivan's call: "the flame of hope is still flickering, but the chances are a million to one."

The current edition of the Maple Leafs find themselves in a similar position, however it sure is fun to see this team continue to grow as evidenced by last night's 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche.  Up to a couple of months ago, falling behind 1-0 particularly giving up a shorthanded goal, would have meant a sure Toronto loss.  But not anymore as the Leafs bounced back with two goals from Nikolai Kulemin to take a 2-1 lead which the Leafs never relinquished.

Kulemin has been an unsung hero this season.  I have always like Kulemin because he's a hard worker who is responsible defensively, kills penalties, and can score goals.  The 24 year old is really developing into a solid player and one who can be a key piece for this team to become a Stanley Cup contender.  I'm not sure Kulemin gets a lot of publicity.  As we know he was a linemate of Evgeni Malkin in Russia and while he will never be a scorer like his former linemate, Kulemin may be a better all around player if he continues to develop.

As I mentioned in my last Leaf post, Luke Schenn continues to show more offensive skill as evidenced by the play that led to Tyler Bozak's goal.  Schenn seems to be getting better at picking his spots as to when he should pinch in the other team's zone.  He also seems to be getting better at handling the puck to make an offensive play.  Let's remember he's only 21.  If he continues to develop offensively, the Leafs could have something really, really special.

Not much more I can say about James Reimer.  The saves he made at critical junctures of last night's game are what a team needs to be successful.  There were several that were unbelievable, particularly in the second period as Milan Hejduk had two glorious opportunities where he was robbed by Reimer.  One wonders where the Leafs would be right now if Reimer had been playing since early December.

I want to go on record as saying that Mike Komisarek's open ice hit last night was not a cheap shot.  If you compare that hit to the one Boston's Marchand gave to Scott Gomez its even more apparent that Komisarek's was not out-of-bounds.  In fact, Komisarek's hit may have woke the Leafs up and hopefully is a sign that the big defenseman may be going back to the form that was evident back when he was with Montreal.

The Leafs now head to the Motor City for a Saturday night showdown against Original Six rival, the Detroit Red Wings.  Back in the Norris Division days, this was a bitter rivalry capped off by the glorious Leaf playoff victory over the Wings in the 92-93 playoffs.  The Leafs did what they needed to do on this road trip by winning the first two games against teams that they should beat if they want to make the playoffs.  Unfortunately, with Buffalo and Carolina both with 2 games in hand, Saturday's game can't be written off.  They need to compete and get at least a point.  What would be nice is if Tuesday's game against the Sabres means something.  For now, that flame still flickers with a lot of legitimate hope for the future.