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

Leafs Break Losing Streak With 4-3 Win

The Toronto Maple Leafs entered last night's game with an 11 game losing streak at the Air Canada Centre. They were facing a long-time nemesis in the Buffalo Sabres, a team that is in a battle for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. There was uncertainty as to who would be starting in goal for the Leafs as they called up Ben Scrivens and they had just come off one of their worst losses of the season where their professionalism and effort was called into question. So what do they do??? They win 4-3 in a game that they were better than the Sabres and played with some intensity that has been lacking for weeks.

The young U.S. college free agent goalie, Ben Scrivens, was solid in goal for the Leafs. Scrivens made some big saves when he needed to particularly when the Sabres were on the power play and in the third period. He gave the Leafs the type of goaltending that they haven't had in weeks. While it's only one game, Scrivens shows some promise as he has been a stalwart for the Marlies down the stretch. Hopefully, the kid can gain some valuable experience in the AHL playoffs. By the way, for all of the naysayers who reacted to the Leafs signing of US college free agent Spencer Abbott, Scrivens is an example of the benefits in taking a chance on a college free agent.

Phil Kessel scored his 37th goal that gave the Leafs a 2-1 lead. Kessel also played one of his best games defensively as evidenced by his efforts in the last 2 minutes of the game. Both he and Matt Frattin were aggressive on the forecheck and Kessel made an effort on the back check to prevent a Sabre scoring chance in the closing seconds. Frattin scored what proved to be the game winner as he played probably his best game as a Maple Leaf. If this kid can develop his game offensively he could be a significant piece to the future of this team. He certainly is not afraid to use his body and has great speed. Kudos to Randy Carlyle for putting him on the top line with Kessel and Tyler Bozak.

It was a nice win for the Leafs as they have been under fire big time. Hopefully, the Leafs will learn something from last night's game. Hard work and intensity can pay off. Paying attention to the defensive side of the game can result in scoring and ultimately winning. This has been the message that Carlyle has been preaching since he has taken over as head coach. The key will be how this team follows up with last night's win. They will face a Sabres team on Tuesday that will be desperate for a win. It will be a tough task but winning that game may not be as important as seeing if this team works hard and plays with some purpose and intensity. As Leafs fans, that is what we want to see. We want to see if they care as much as we do. That's what this season has amounted to, seeing if their is a will and desire to win.