Tuesday, October 10, 2006
A Well Deserved Shootout Victory
Thankfully the Leafs pulled out a 2-1, shootout victory last night over the Florida Panthers. The Leafs dominated play all game, but Alex Auld stood on his head throughout regulation and OT, keeping the score knotted at 1. The Leafs peppered him with 48 shots, including 20 in the second period. Mats Sundin and Darcy Tucker scored in the shootout, with Andrew Raycroft stopping both shots he faced. The Leafs improved to 1-1 in shootouts this year, after going 3-7 last year. Sundin is 2 for 2 this year, after going 1 for 7 last year, and I'm pretty sure he's done the same move in all of shootouts, aiming for the top glove side.The bad news coming from last nights victory was a knee injury to defenseman Pavel Kubina. Late in the third period, he collided awkwardly with Todd Bertuzzi. It is not known the extent of the injury, but coach Paul Maurice said he was concerned about it. It did not look good for Kubina, as he could not put much pressure on it as he was helped off, coupled with Maurice's comments, he might be gone for awhile. Kubina's injury puts the team with 5 defenseman hurting. Brendan Bell might be ready to go next game, if not, look for Wade Belak to be shifted back to the point again. Jay Harrison played last night in place of injured Andy Wozniewski.
Jeff O'Neill leading off in the shootout? Maurice went with a gut feeling in putting him in. O'Neill obviously did not score, and look awkward in doing so. He doesn't seem to have any confidence in his game.
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