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

Reimer Plays Well, But Leafs Lose 5-2

For the second time in two games, the Toronto Maple Leafs blew a 2 goal first period lead as they dropped a 5-2 decision to the New York Rangers. Going into the game, it was clear that the Leafs would have their hands full as the Rangers were 1-3 and the pressure was mounting at MSG as the Blueshirts are one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. The only bright spot for the Leafs was the play of James Reimer.

Reimer gave the Leafs a chance to win the game by making big saves in the first 2 periods, which included two beauties against Rick Nash. The Leafs were badly out shot and Reimer's stellar play had the Leafs ahead 2-1 heading into the third period. Prior to the game New York hockey broadcast legend, Stan Fischler, posted on Twitter that the Rangers had the advantage going into the game because the Leaf goaltending was bad. After the game, the respected Fischler posted that the Leafs got good goaltending but that the Rangers dominated in all other aspects of the game. Reimer's performance last night and Wednesday in Pittsburgh should cement his status as the team's number one goalie.

Last year, the Leafs speed seemed to give the Rangers fits. Last night, it looked like the Leafs were playing the Bruins. You remember the Leaf games last year against the Bruins where the Beantowners outmuscled the Leafs. Well, that's what happened last night as the Leafs speed advantage was gone right from the beginning as the Rangers got the puck deep in the Toronto zone and smothered them. I have a feeling we will see the same thing next Saturday night when Boston comes into the ACC.

The Leafs are the second youngest team in the NHL. They faced a team last night that is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. However, the Leafs need to exhibit the ability to deal with adversity. It's also apparent that the Leafs need a shutdown line beyond Mikhail Grabovski's. His line provides the Leafs with offense. In fact, it has been the team's most productive line of late. If they have to be in defensive mode against the likes of Brad Richards, Marion Gaborik and Nash, then offense becomes secondary. Without Joffrey Lupul, it appears the Bozak line is having trouble mounting scoring chances. Lupul provided the jam in the corners and traffic in front of the net to allow Kessel space. I'm not sure what Randy Carlyle can do to make up for that.

Nazem Kadri's line was non-existent last night as the much bigger Rangers just banged them around preventing their speed from being a factor. It's also apparent that Carlyle has little confidence in Mike Komisarek and whoever his sixth defenseman happens to be. It will be interesting to see how much longer Dion Phaneuf and Mike Kostka can continue to log big minutes without their play suffering.

While there will be some beating the drum for the Leafs to get Roberto Luongo, the acquisition off the high-priced over thirty goaltender will not solve this team's problems. James Reimer should be the team's number one goalie and the Leafs should go with him and Ben Scrivens the rest of the way. What is of bigger need for this team is getting a big forward or two that have some skill. Of course, that is easier said than done. With plenty of defenseman, maybe Dave Nonis can swing a trade for a big forward who has some offensive ability. If not, the Leafs will have plenty of cap space in the summer and could have a high enough draft pick to select an impact player and isn't that what all the Burke haters wanted all along.