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

Reimer Injured As Leafs Lose In OT 3-2

For the second day in a row, the Toronto Maple Leafs allowed a valuable second point get away by blowing a 2-0 lead in the third period and falling to the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 in overtime.  But what may be a bigger loss is to what extent James Reimer is injured and how much time may he miss.  Reimer was injured as a result of a collision with Evander Kane which resulted in a two minute penalty to Kane.  Replays showed that Kane's knee hit Reimer in the head area.  The Leafs are mum on Reimer's condition which gives me a bad feeling and could really impact this team' s quest for a playoff spot.

Before and after the collision, Reimer looked solid as it seemed he was prepared to bounce back from a rough game against the Penguins.  However, it was evident that Reimer was having difficulty as he came to the bench twice during television time outs.  With J.S. Giguere loosening up, Reimer stood in the game to keep the Leafs ahead 2-0.  Late in the second period, Giguere came in and Reimer went off into the dressing room never returning to the bench.

The third period started off badly as the Leafs allowed a goal early as Giguere had little chance on a scramble in front of his net.  The Thrashers tied it up later on after Giguere made the first save but couldn't get back in position to stop the rebound which led to the Thrashers ultimately winning in the extra frame.

The Leafs did little to generate any offense in the third period and in the overtime after taking a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Nik Kulemin and Phil Kessel.  Kessel's goal was a beauty as he drove the net and was stopped by Chris Mason but stuck with the play and slapped the rebound home passed Mason.

Not sure if it was the earlier start after the night game on Saturday or the goalie switch, but the Leafs certainly lost their legs in the third period.  Ron Wilson placed blame on blown power play opportunities.  It's funny but at one point I was thinking: they have to score on one of these power plays.

Making the playoffs is not the key to me this year.  As I've stated before, this season is about this team learning how to win and growing together to build for the future.  Brian Burke has done a good job in making this team younger and bringing draft picks and young talent to the farm system.  As we get close to the 3pm trade deadline, I don't think its imperative that the Leafs break up what they have right now for someone to just get them in the playoffs.  This is more about next year and beyond.

The Leafs are back at it Wednesday against Pittsburgh at the ACC and hopefully some good news on James Reimer.