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

Glimpse of the Future in Leafs 2-1 win

Last night elements of the pieces that could bring the Maple Leafs back  into hockey relevance were on display as the Leafs defeated the NY Islanders 2-1 at the ACC.  Phil Kessel's end-to-end rush which resulted in the winning goal late in the 3rd period was a picture of what this talented 23 year old brings to the table and why Brian Burke made the trade that some continue to ridiculously lament over.  As Kessel took the puck in his own zone and began to attack, you had the sense something good was about to happen as he wired a shot past Al Montoya to give the Leafs the lead.

But what may have saved the game was minutes earlier when James Reimer made an incredible glove save on Jack Hillen, which had the Islanders shaking their heads.   In watching the video replay it was amazing how Reimer saw that puck.  Be it instinct, be it being lucky or being at the right place at the right time, Reimer came up big just before Kessel's end to end rush.  Reimer's continual solid play is certainly giving Leafs management quite a bit to think about for next season.  What was incredible, was Reimer was battling a bad case of an upset stomach and was almost ready to sit out after the first period.  Thankfully for the Leafs, the medical staff was able to get the goalie's stomach calmed down.

What was also impressive last night was the steady play of Luke Schenn, Keith Aulie and Carl Gunnarsson.  Were they perfect? No.  But they were steady and made plays in their own end which provide the basis for a pretty solid defensive core along with Dion Phanuef.  It's apparent that Coach Ron Wilson is not afraid to put any one of the 3 out in key situations and on the penalty kill.  It was also nice to see Gunnarsson on the power play.  Hopefully, that continues.

Clarke MacArthur scored the Leafs first goal putting them ahead 1-0 in the first period on a bullet wrister that beat Montoya.  A pretty goal and one that will give Brian Burke something to think about as he begins negotiations with MacArthur's agent, Don Meehan.  After taking a slew of penalties, the Islanders tied it up on a power play goal by Matt Moulson in the second period.

While the game was not perfect as the power play continues to struggle and they took too many penalties, there is hope as you watch these young Leafs continue to grow.  Mistakes will be made and there were mistakes made last night.  But speed and youthful exuberance were able to make up for it.  It also helps to have a goalie who can come up big when you need him.

The Leafs are next in action Thursday at Montreal with hopefully revenge on their minds after a brutal 3-0 loss a couple of Saturdays ago at the Bell Center.