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

Leafs Gut Out 4-3 Shootout Win

The Toronto Maple Leafs, already missing several key players, lost Carl Gunnarsson and David Steckel in the second period but still managed to gut out a 4-3 shootout win over the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Arena. Joffrey Lupul scored the lone goal in the shootout for the Maple Leafs. It was poetic justice as Lupul was high sticked by Sheldon Souray in the waning seconds of the overtime period resulting in several cuts around his eye and breaking his visor.

Jonas Gustavsson played well again last night and it appears he is sending a message to Leaf management that he wants to be the primary backup for James Reimer. I had some serious doubts about Gustavsson and had advocated that the Leafs acquire a veteran goaltender. But with his recent play, Gustavsson has allowed the Leafs to pursue other possibilities. Without a doubt, his recent body of work has been his best since becoming a Maple Leaf.

As Coach Ron Wilson indicated after the game, Luke Schenn had his best game of the year. He was physical and saved a goal early in the second period. Jake Gardiner continues to impress as he led all Leaf defenseman in ice time and Dion Phaneuf had a goal and an assist and was a tower of power as the Leafs were down a defenseman. In fact, Wilson was going with only four defensemen for most of the third period as Cody Franson barely saw the ice.

Early word indicates that both Gunnarsson and Steckel had a bandaged finger as they left the rink last night. We probably won't know until later today if they will be out of action. Not sure how many more injuries this team can endure. Before this four game road trip, I was hoping for 4 out of 8 points. With the game against the Ducks tomorrow, the Leafs have an opportunity to pick up 6 points. It won't be easy as the Ducks will be in a surly mood after blowing a two goal lead to the Black Hawks yesterday in the third period. The puck drop is 9pm Sunday.