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

Leafs lose 4-3 in OT

Unfortunately, on a night that the Maple Leafs had an opportunity to pick up two points on Buffalo (who lost 3-1 to Pittsburgh) and Carolina, they settled for a point as they lost to the NY Islanders 4-3 in overtime.  This is an act that we have seen too often, playing dow n to their opponent, especially against the Isles.

It was rather disturbing to hear Keith Aulie say that they may have not respected their opponent. Hmmmm....  I give the kid credit for saying  it publicly but it is something that can't happen if you are fighting for your playoff lives.  In any sport, the theory is you need to play .500 against the tough teams and clean up on the weak ones.  Moreover, while the Leafs have played better of late, they have no business overlooking any opponent.

Aulie scored his first goal of his NHL career,  however the Leafs never led in a game that they needed badly.  Once again the power play was 0-3 making it now 0-24.  Definitely not a great stat particularly for a team in desperate need of points.  Brett Lebda had a terrible game last night and the defense last night as a whole seemed week.  The top two lines did not generate much offense which resulted in Ron Wilson shaking up the lines.

Thursday night the Leafs will be playing a Philadelphia team which will be seeking revenge for last week's loss to Toronto.  I have said all along that we need to see how this team progresses.  Last night, this team took a step backwards.  You can't leave a point on the table against a team like the Islanders.  Aulie's comment is troubling.  Young team or not it's inexcusable to overlook any opponent.  The Leafs are not the 80's Oilers.  Thursday they will be in tough and we will learn more about this team.  Will they respond and show the game they played last week in Philly?? Or will they back down and fold.  Hopefully, they learned something from last night.  I guess will find out Thursday.