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

Goaltending A Problem As Leafs Fall 5-1

For the second game in a row the Toronto Maple Leafs received less than stellar goaltending as they lost 5-1 to the Florida Panthers. With uncertainty surrounding James Reimer's possible return, it's hard to believe that the Leafs can withstand going a month or more with Jonas Gustavsson and Ben Scrivens. 3 of the 5 goals last night had a distinct odor to them and certainly deflated a Leaf team that is having problems scoring.

The Leafs had plenty of scoring chances but Jose Theodore was solid for the Panthers. Unfortunately, the Leafs did not receive the same performance. The frustrating thing for Leaf fans is that none of us know how long James Reimer will be out but Leaf management obviously knows and they must also know that if he is out for any time beyond this month, the Leafs are in serious trouble.

Absent signing a free agent such as Marty Turco or making a trade, the only thing that the Leafs can do is tighten up defensively. I've noticed over the past couple of games that there seems to be a lot of cheating on the part of Leaf forwards. They also seem to be a little less aggressive in the other team's zone as far as driving to the net.

I have been very supportive of Brian Burke. I think he is doing everything he can to bring a winning team to Toronto. But, not having an adequate back-up goalie could end up costing this team making the playoffs particularly if Reimer is out going into December. Burke is quick to act when he realizes that things are not working out as evidenced by his trading of Kris Versteeg and Francois Beauchemin. Hopefully he has something up his sleeve otherwise Leaf Nation will quickly change their October euphoria to a December calling for Wilson's head and possibly Burke's next.