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

Scrivens Saves As Leafs Win 4-1

Coach Ron Wilson pulled the old switcheroo on the Toronto media yesterday as all reports indicated that Jonas Gustavsson would be in the net for the Maple Leafs. All of the gameday focus was about James Reimer. But, lo and behold Jonas Gustavsson was the back-up and Ben Scrivens was the starter. Scrivens was arguably the best goalie in training camp this year and some were suggesting that Scrivens should have made the team. Well, last night Scrivens showed why some felt that way as he was solid in goal making 38 saves leading the Leafs to a 4-1 win over the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Leafs who played the night before only managed 18 shots themselves and seemed to be sluggish particularly in the third period. As a result, Scrivens had to be sharp and he made some big saves when he needed to. Scrivens was positionally sound and looked more steady in net than Gustavsson. Not sure if it's style or size but I just felt more confident with Scrivens in net than the Monster. At the very least, Scrivens' performance illustrates another area of the Leaf roster where the team has depth. With Gustavsson in the last year of his contract, the Leafs will have a decision to make as to whether or not to retain him. While it is only one game, Scrivens certainly impressed and gives the Leafs some options.

The Leaf penalty killiing unit had a good night as they killed off four penalties. Hopefully, they can build on this as they head into their game Saturday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins. The Leafs were aggressive on the PK and Scrivens did come up with some big saves while the Leafs were shorthanded. Once again the Leafs received balanced scoring as Joey Crabb once again opened the scoring on a beautiful pass from Joffrey Lupul and Clarke MacArthur continued his hot streak scoring 2 goals. John-Michael Liles notched his 1st goal as a Maple Leaf early in the second period.

As Coach Ron Wilson indicated in his post-game press conference, the Leafs will need to pick up their play as they certainly were helped by some weak goaltending as Steve Mason was pulled after the 4th Leaf goal. However, the coach is also accurate in saying that the Leafs need to "make hay while the sun shines". Padding points now will help later on in the season when things are bound to get tougher. It's worth noting that the Leafs did not get their 19th point last year until December 4th. They have beaten the teams they need to beat and but for the game in Boston they have been in every game that they lost. An interesting stat that reflects this team's "never say die attitude" is the fact that the period in which the Leafs have scored the most goals has been the third period.

Saturday night the Leafs have an opportunity to avenge their loss to the Bruins. The puck drop is 7pm at the ACC.
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Later today, NFL Week 9 Picks.