Andrew Raycroft probably played his best game as a Toronto Maple Leaf last night, turning aside 40 of 41 shots. The Leafs dominated play in the first period, thanks to four consecutive power plays. The Flyers did manage 7 shots in the period, the Leafs countered with 15, but the period ended with the Leafs only up by one goal. The second period was a different story though, the Flyers took control recording 17 shots and scoring 1 goal. Raycroft made several big saves on the Flyers four power plays. It's pretty amazing to see such a turn around from one period to the next, with the Leafs lucky to be hanging on.
Nik Antropov scored is first goal of the season on a third period power play to put the Leafs ahead for good. Maurice changed up the lines last night and it appeared to work. Antropov and Alexei Ponikarovsky were promoted to the first line as Sundin's wingers. Ponikarovsky later added his sixth goal of season on a wrist shot from the circle that Nittymaki should have stopped. I think Nittymaki was already in the butterfly position before Ponikarovsky let the shot go.
Up until Ponikarovsky made it 3-1, I was skeptical that the Leafs would pull out the victory. One bad bounce for the Leafs and it's a different story. Raycroft wasn't going to have any part of that though. He didn't really have any spectacular saves as he was always in good position and limited the rebounds. It kind of reminded me of how Eddie Belfour was almost always (excluding last year) in good position to make the save. It was Raycroft's 4th consecutive win.
Raycroft Stands on His Head Tuesday, November 07, 2006




