For the first two periods, the Leafs had the edge in 5 on 5 play without a doubt. Randy Carlyle decided to move Peter Holland to the third line and he responded with the game winning goal and his aggressive fore-check set up James van Reimsdyk's goal. Leo Komorov continues to show why he is an asset to this club as his huge hit on Johnny Oduya set up the Holland goal.
The Leafs made the right move bringing up Sam Carrick from the Marlies. I would have loved to see the fourth line play a little more and hopefully they will during the upcoming road trip. Carlyle has to be happy with the play of Daniel Winnik on the Kessel-Kadri line. It seems that playing with Kessel has really put a charge into Kadri's game. I don't see how Carlyle can separate those two.
There were many who were questioning this Leaf team heading into last night's contest. Big deal that they beat Buffalo, the critics would say. Columbus is injury-riddled so not much you can say about Friday night's win. Saturday night was going to be a true test and the Leafs responded well. Is this team a lock to make the playoffs? No, but it certainly can compete with any team in the league if it utilizes its speed, is aggressive on the forecheck and takes the body when necessary. They did all of that last night and that is why their performances against Boston and Pittsburgh was so alarming.
The Leafs answered the bell and made a statement that they can be a tough team to play against. They still need to get some consistent secondary scoring. The power play needs to start clicking and there needs to be a consistent commitment to defensive zone coverage. But, the Leafs have showed us that they have what it takes to be a playoff team and they don't have the luxury to take a night off.
There were many who were questioning this Leaf team heading into last night's contest. Big deal that they beat Buffalo, the critics would say. Columbus is injury-riddled so not much you can say about Friday night's win. Saturday night was going to be a true test and the Leafs responded well. Is this team a lock to make the playoffs? No, but it certainly can compete with any team in the league if it utilizes its speed, is aggressive on the forecheck and takes the body when necessary. They did all of that last night and that is why their performances against Boston and Pittsburgh was so alarming.
The Leafs answered the bell and made a statement that they can be a tough team to play against. They still need to get some consistent secondary scoring. The power play needs to start clicking and there needs to be a consistent commitment to defensive zone coverage. But, the Leafs have showed us that they have what it takes to be a playoff team and they don't have the luxury to take a night off.
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