Not a Bad Way to Go Down

One night the Maple Leafs got the call in overtime against a New York team.

The next game, the New  York team got the OT penalty call against the Leafs.

Seems more of the evening out process of a long NHL season - some nights you get the calls, some night the other guys do - than blatant unfairness, and if you think the Leafs lost to the Islanders on Monday night because they were screwed by the officiating staff, you were watching a different game.

The game I saw was highly entertaining, very physical and an intriguing contrast in styles between two teams expected to be also-rans by many this season. The Leafs pushed the play, and the Islanders counter-punched, relying on smart play by their defence to steer away many Leaf attacks and then on Dwayne Roloson to stay in the game against a more aggressive opponent the way the Leafs used to rely on Curtis Joseph during the more successful portions of the Pat Quinn years.

While the Leafs pushed and pushed, they didn't break down defensively, and after giving up only 20 shots are now No. 1 in the league in fewest shots allowed. The Isles didn't get many chances, but they were opportunistic, both on the first period breakdown that left Matt Moulson wide open and in OT when John Tavares took advantage of Brett Lebda's interference penalty to end the game.

Tavares - as if the talented Oakville sniper needs any help - let a wicked shot go that helpfully ricocheted off the body of Leaf defenceman Francois Beauchemin and ended up under the crossbar, a goal-scorer's goal, to be sure.

Should Lebda have been in the box? Well, it wasn't as blatant a foul as Marc Staal's interference penalty Friday night in Manhattan against the Rangers, but it was certainly one all goalies would tell you they'd want made. It was borderline, but Roloson was definitely interfered with, and the call was made. To be honest, I'm always a little surprised when a goalie interference call is made if only because of the extensive interference all goaltenders are subjected to as a matter of routine in today's NHL.

By that point, the Leafs had enjoyed a million chances to win the game in regulation and OT, so putting it all down to a referee's decision on Lebda is silly.

Ron Wilson can rant and rave all he wants, but it appeared both of the goals that were waved off by the officials were done so correctly. The amazing part was that the officials caught Kris Versteeg's high stick even though he barely nudged the puck. Eagle eyes, indeed. If he knocks it down with a high stick first, it doesn't matter if he then shoots it in the net. Whistle is blown.

Any way you cut it, nine of a possible 10 points in the first five games of the season is a start of which Wilson could only have dreamed just a month ago. The lack of offensive finish that so many wondered about showed up against the Isles, or was that Roloson's superb netminding? Some of both, probably.

What mattered the most was that even in defeat the Leafs demonstrated a committment to a solid defensive posture that will stand them in good stead as the season progresses if they can maintain it.

 

 

Comments

[Mapleloaf]

The Leafs did play well and deserved a better fate. That happens all the time in hockey given the speed and potential breaks (calls, deflections, etc) that occur during the game. However, thier first goal should never have been waved off and it isn't excuseable to make the call using the wrong rule. His stick was nowehere close to being beyond shoulder height.

In cases such as this where the puck is shot into the net before the whistle is blown and the players stop, they should be reviewable. The dubious call made from a poor position would have most certainly overturned and the Leafs win the game in regulation

[Pyramid Power]

Versteeg should have buried one or two. Grabovski had his chances. Secondary scoring not there, and we had to rely on a late goal by Kessel to get a point. A little worrisome that players like Brown, Zigomanis, Grabovski, Kulemin, Versteeg etc..... are not scoring. Actually, very worrisome.
Kessel has five goals, MacArthur has four, Brent has a couple. Not many other players chipping in and converting chances. Hope that changes soon. I think it will against the Rangers on Thursday night. I have to think it will. I am a Leafs fan.
Thought Giggy had a strong game, and utterly no chance on either goals. Wonder if Wilson comes back with him on Thursday, or turns to Gus.

[Pyramid Power]

Wilson's complete contempt and disdain for the media is not wise on his part. It's always good for a coach to have the media on his side, or at least not hate him.
The media tells us fans all too often what is going on behind the scenes etc..... with a hockey club. It is part of the job description as head coach of a club like the Toronto Maple Leafs to deal with the media. Do it in a respectful manner Ronnie.
You make yourself look not only contemptuous of the media, but by extension I would argue, the fans too.

[We BeLeaf]

Hey PP, I think that if we were in Wilson's position of having to deal with members of the so-called 'media' (and I use that term very loosely) on a day-in, day-out basis, we too would become a little truculent with some of these people eventually. Let's face it, more than half of them can barely be called human by today's standards. Most of the time we only get to hear his responses and not the inane questions he gets asked. Sometimes all they want to do is stir things up, or evoke some emotional response just to get it on tape. I don't disagree with you, I like his style which somewhat reflects Burke's style, but like it was mentioned before, his job is to win games and not win a popularity contest.

Cheers to you and all Leafs fans!