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

Reimer Stands Tall: Leafs Win 2-0

The Toronto Maple Leafs started the 2011-12 season in grand fashion shutting out their old time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, 2-0. James Reimer was outstanding for the Leafs making 32 saves and being really strong in the first period when the Leafs were out shot 14-4. Reimer's play certainly should quiet all of the critics who were concerned about his play in the preseason which was less than stellar. But the Reiminister of Defense came up big when he needed to.

Everyone watching the game had to feel really good when Matthew Lombardi scored the Leafs first goal while shorthanded as it was Lombardi's first goal in over a year. The Leafs seemed to really pick up the momentum after the shorthanded goal as they really pressed the Canadiens in the 2nd period.

Early in the third period, Captain Dion Phaneuf scored on a beautiful goal that extended the Leaf lead to 2-0. Phaneuf ended the game with a goal and an assist and if the Leafs are going to be successful this year they will need their Captain to chip in offensively.

Despite being out shot 32-18, I thought after the first period the Leafs seemed to carry the play to the Habs. The penalty killing was perfect tonight as the Canadiens were 0-5. Matthew Lombardi and recently acquired David Steckel were keys to that success along with Reimer. Steckel was unreal on faceoffs winning over 70%. Late in the 3rd period, Ron Wilson had a checking line of Lombardi-Steckel-Armstrong and they looked pretty good.

I thought Matt Frattin fit in quite well with Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski. Frattin created some chances with some strong board work. The Grabovski line was dangerous all night. I was impressed with the play of John-Michael Liles and I also thought Mike Komisarek had a strong game for the Leafs.

The Leaf power play was not good tonight. They did not record many chances and there did not seem to be much chemistry. There didn't seem to be much traffic in front of Carey Price and I would like to see David Steckel maybe draw that assignment. I also thought that Philip Dupuis was not a factor and quite frankly I don't see how he stays with the Leafs once Connolly comes back and if Lombardi continues to get stronger. The Leafs scaled back Jake Gardiner's ice time but the youngster did not look out of place.

The Leafs need to build on this win Saturday night when they take on their provincial rival, the Ottawa Senators. Last season, the Leafs were terrible on Saturday night, particularly at home. If they are to make the playoffs this year they need to improve on that record and this Saturday is the perfect time to start.