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

Red Rising: Leafs Fall 5-3

Red Rising is the fight song for the Chicago Black Hawks and last night the Hawks rose up and showed why they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions by defeating the young Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3.  The Leafs started the game very aggressively and it was the first time I can remember since the lockout that the ACC crowd was chanting "Go Leafs Go" right at the opening faceoff.  However, a glaring giveaway by Carl Gunnarsson, led to the Hawks first goal that Marian Hossa put by the James Reimer.  It was a softie and it set the tone. 

The Hawks jumped ahead 2-0 and then had a two man advantage but the Leafs did a great job in killing it off and there was the feeling that this might give the Leafs some momentum.  However, it was 3-0 before the Leafs scored their first goal in the second period.  The Hawks stormed back scoring two and ending the second up 5-1.

The Leafs valiantly fought back in the 3rd and with the score 5-2 Mikhail Grabovski was awarded a penalty shot.  Corey Crawford came up big and Grabovski was stopped.  A goal would have brought the Leafs within two but it wasn't meant to be.  Luke Schenn scored the Leafs final goal with under a minute to play but the Hawks did enough in the first 2 periods to chalk up the win.  The Leafs took the play to the Hawks in the third but it wasn't enough.  The fact that the team kept pushing despite being down 5-1 to start the third period is certainly encouraging. 

As I have been saying for the past week, the remainder of the season is a learning experience for this Leaf team.  Yesterday's lesson was clear: you can't make defensive zone giveaways against a top team in the league.  But for the first goal, Reimer was not at fault for the last four goals and was pulled in the third for J.S. Giguere.  The key will be how this team bounces back against the Islanders.  Reimer has shown that he has the character to bounce back.  Let's see how the rest of the group does against a team which they need to beat.

The Islanders may try to goon it up on them and they need to keep their poise.  Something needs to give with their power play.  They have been 0-for the last 3 games.  5,6,7 power play opportunities a game need to be capitalized. 

I can't be too upset with last night's loss.  Their young and they are going to have bad games.  It was unfortunate last night because the ACC crowd really was into it.  What is upsetting is I can't remember the last time they won on a Saturday night.  Maybe a better Hockey Night In Canada record and they would be in that 8th and final playoff spot.

This next week probably tells the tale as far as playoff chances.  Tuesday they go to the Island and then come home on Thursday for a return match-up against the Flyers and then a big four pointer on Saturday at home against Buffalo.  Hopefully, they can end the Hockey Night In Canada jinx.