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

You Gotta BeLeaf!! Leafs Beat Sabres 4-3

All of the cynics a few weeks ago said that this Leafs surge was just another late season tease similar to those we have seen with J.S. Aubin, Johnny Pohl and Jason Allison.  If the cynics were right then last night being down 3-2 going into the third period against their personal torturers, the Buffalo Sabres, the Leafs would have folded their tents and began making their tee time reservations.  But, as I've stated before, this is a different Leaf team.

Mikhail Grabovski, Phil Kessel and James Reimer, three players who have ignited this surge, all came up big in the third period and the Leafs grabbed two big points by defeating the Sabres 4-3.  I'm not sure there is a more improved player than Grabovski.  He has elevated his play and last night showed his leadership setting up Clarke MacArthur on the Leafs first goal and wiring a beautiful one-timer past Ryan Miller to tie the score in the third.

Phil Kessel continues to show why Brian Burke made the trade that so many of the cynics and critics have pounced upon for the last two years by setting up Tyler Bozak in the second period and scoring what would be the game winner in the third.  One wonders how many points Kessel would have if Bozak was able to bury more of his chances that Kessel has set him up on.

James Reimer came up big when he needed to making 39 saves.  None bigger than the breakaway stop on Thomas Vanek in the second period.  In the third, after the Leafs had taken the lead 4-3, Vanek came streaking down the wing and let a hard shot that Reimer stopeed with his pad leaving a rebound that Brad Boyes gobbled up but Reimer was able to get his leg out and stop Boyes right on the door step.

Since the Kaberle trade, Dion Phaneuf has really elevated his play.  He has been dishing out big hits, been more of an offensive threat and has proven a worthy leader for the young defensemen that make up half of the Leafs defense unit.

While the playoffs are far from a sure thing, this young Leaf team bounced back from tough losses against the Isles and Flyers to beat a long-time nemesis who holds down the last playoff spot.  A loss would have put them 8 points out and virtually out of it.  However, with the win the Leafs move within 4 points of the Sabres.  This team is different and gives all Leaf fans hope for a better future.

Monday the Leafs face the Tampa Bay Lightning.  It will be a tough one and should be interesting to see how they respond.  Hopefully, they will continue to make us BeLeafers!!!!