Toskala Deserves Benefit of the Doubt… For Now
As I was carefully selecting the sharpest and jaggiest stones for the public sacrifice of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Vesa Toskala, I thought of something.
Pre-season.
Yup, that’s right. It was just pre-season. The reaction the 32-year-old has garnered throughout Leaf Nation might suggest otherwise, but yes, these games were basically meaningless—except for a select few.
So drop your barbaric weapons, take a Valium and give the once-praised Toskala the benefit of the doubt—for now. I’m aware that Jonas Gustavsson—who is clearly the reincarnation of Jesus Christ— and Joey Macdonald have both proven to be more reliable in their respective stints, but this job has been Toskala’s to lose since training camp debuted. And head coach Ron Wilson wasn’t about to hand the starting job to one of the two unproven goaltenders over a few pre-season games.
Let’s take a few things into consideration here—and this is NOT to defend Toskala’s horrid display of goaltending last night. For one, he is coming off two major surgeries to the hip and groin area. He played all of last season wounded, and hasn’t played to his abilities in an extended period of time. And with the acquistion of new goalie coach Francois Allaire this off-season, Toskala is now learning a new system to which he is not—obviously—accustomed to yet.
So give the guy a break.
I’m not saying to generate a bunch of excuses for the Finnish netminder, but atleast give him the benefit of the doubt. Despite his woeful save percentage, Leafs fans should hold judgment on whether or not he’s capable of maintaining his role as the starting goaltender until he atleast plays ONE regular season game.
While many have been venting their frustrations with Toskala on internet forums, no one is as furious as the man himself. When Wilson pulled him off the ice in the dying minutes to deploy an extra attacker, Toskala banged the boards with his goalie stick in anger, showing signs of emotion Leafs fans have rarely seen from the soft-spoken and mellow goaltender. After the game, Toskala had few things to say about his performance, but he did say that “when the season opens on Thursday, things are going to very different.”
Should he falter against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, then it is likely Gustavsson will get the nod against the Washington Capitals on the first night of Hockey Night in Canada.
For now, I’ll be wearing my Toskala jersey with pride and will support him heading into Thursday night’s tilt. If he fails, then I’ve already arranged a pack of lions to maul him in the Air Canada Centre after the game, Roman-style.
You stay classy, MLHS.
ronguillet@mapleleafshotstove.com
September 28th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I feel sorry for Vesa. Hopefully he gets off to a good start this year.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Perhaps you are right Ron, we leaf fans are a paranoid bunch.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I’m with you Ron, the whole D fell apart last night once Komi went down and I believe # 35 will be outstanding againts the Habs on Thursday. Also does anybody know if anymore roster moves have been made and what did happen to Komi last night?
September 28th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I think the best thing for the leafs would be to give Toskala the benefit of doubt and keep playing him as the number 1 goalie for now. Hopefully, he rebounds with confidence and plays like he did in San Jose. This will a) give Gustavsson some time to get used to the NHL and b) increase Toskala’s trade value come trade deadline.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Well, have to say I love the “reincarnation of Jesus Christ” line and I hope Gustavvson doesnt have any holes in his hands like the former. However, I do agree. Buffalo outplayed us in both tilts. Our defense seems to enjoy watching the buffalo attackers as they weave in and out. Otherwise we have played great. Toskala will get his game back. It may not be as strong as Jonas’ but none of us can say for sure. I say lets run this tandem until November and when the true “Reincarnation of Jesus Christ” is healthy and scores 3 goals a night, we won’t need stellar goaltending. Ask Berger, the games in October don’t even mean anything.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Was is funny though is that most of the same people caling for his head was elated last week when he won 2 shoot games in a row, and the Leafs were set in goal with Gus backing him up for the season. AAAhhh how easy we forget
September 28th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Quote from the Sun:
“The Anaheim Ducks have assigned former Maple Leafs goaltender Justin Pogge to their AHL affiliate in San Antonio. “
September 28th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
o2baleaf…it is funny eh….
One game, one bad performance = a season trend?
Gus is going to have to earn his way in and that mean he is going to have to wait his turn….even if the Leafs lose Thursday (which they wont) I think Wilson goes back to Toskala…..not sure putting Gus in front of OV, Semin, Backstrom and Green is the ideal place to “ease” him into the NHL…..
but then again we play the Sens, Pittsburgh, Rangers the following games….so that logic really doesnt hold up unless Toskala plays well enough to ride him for the first 5 games……then GUs could start against the Avs at home.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
@LT….what were his numbers like for the pre-season? He knew he would be going to Anaheim as 3rd on the depth chart.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I wish Gus was as good in NHL 10 as he is in real life.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Toskala had a mediocre campaign in 07-08 and a terrible campaign in 08-09. He still has the same basic technical problems he battled last year.
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This isn’t about Toskala being bad in preseason; it’s about Toskala being bad period. Surgery was a nice excuse for last year. Is he still hurt or just bad?
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He’s a 30 year old who is undersized and fresh off hip surgery who has never thrived in the NHL as a starter. Why anyone would expect him to suddenly “regain his form” (which is ridiculous he doesn’t have anything terrific to regain) confuses me.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
@ron-Raycroft won 37 games for us-where is he now? Wins/Losses arent the only determining factor-a Tender needs to exude confidence, have the intangibles that makes his team better. the aspect of toskala that is most disturbing is like Raycroft he gives up a softie up at least once a game-thus the team is not condfident in the guy-d-men start overcompensating because they have no faith in the fact that he can stop the puck-”sticks tighten” and its difficult for the other 5 on the ice to play their game. Tosakla’s confidence is shot-and unfortunately when that happens it’s very difficult to get it back-see Raycroft again. A 32 year old tender should not be “relearning” his position-he either has it or he doesnt. Lastly, everyone keeps talking about his injuries-well…why was he injured? in part because he had NEVER played as much as he has in the last two years and he’s a small tender-he doesnt have the physical attributes to carry a 60-70 game workload. Tim Thomas is the obvious exception here but he’s an anomoly not the rule. Agreed that Leaf fans tend to overextend either way-a guy either stinks or hes the second coming of bobby orr but in this guy’s case Leaf fans are on point-he’s not the real deal.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
It’s sad, but the more I think about it, the more I start to think Howard Berger may be right in referring to Leaf Nation as ‘sheep’.
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…sorry, just threw up in my mouth there..But seriously, far too many leaf fans seem to have bipolar disorder. Gustavson has one stellar game, he’s, as Ron so eloquently put it, the “reincarnation of Jesus Christ”. Toskala has a really bad game, and it’s ‘game over man!’.
I swear, some people either have memories of goldfish, or are just so enthralled in each victory or defeat that their minds are skewed from reality. It’s difficult to remain balanced when you are so involved with your team, as we all are (I mean, there’s only so much news day to day, we’re all bound to wildy speculate/prognosticate..I mean, that’s what these sites are for..). Let’s all just try to keep some perspective, hold off on the hate parade, and watch Brian and Ron do their collective ‘thing’.
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Oh, and f**k it, I take it back – Berger is still an idiot.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
You have no idea how good he is in real life other than a few youtube clips and speculation. I have a feeling they’ll re-align his stats once they get a better look at him a few months into the season.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Ok I am constantly joking about how good certain people are and how bad others are. But I’m going to throw out a crazy prediction. One which will keep me hoping each and every game. I predict that either Stalberg or Gus will win the Calder. Imagine I’m right! Obviously I don’t expect this craziness but I can dream.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Toskala will be pushed at least, same with the rest of the vets with what has transpiered through pre season. Thats the point these vets either elevate thier game because if they don’t they see the Bozak’s, Hansons, and Monsters chomping at the bit to get in. Some will elevate their game some won’t. At least there is a “pland B” in the line up. So don’t worry be happy! Lets see what happens in the first 10 regular season games. Then start calling for heads. I am sure that Burkie and RW will be well ahead of us on that though.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
My sense is that whenever Jonas starts it will be on the road
Also think that they are waiting until Wed evening to send JMac down so a better chance to clear waivers (re-entry is another matter)
If I was Ron, my plan all along would be to alternate Vesa and Gus every few games for awhile, notwithstanding last night’s game
A poker player would probably now choose Vesa to rebound on Thursday for a win
September 28th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Ah yes, the love/hate dichotomy of Leafs nation. It’s like a giant sociology experiment in loyalty. We can call it bandwagonism.
I laughed last week when TSN was airing a Leaf game, and after a sketchy first period with plenty of defensive mistakes, the TSN panel was suddenly wondering if the Leafs D-men were over-hyped. (They won the game.)
Which just goes to show that sometimes leaping on and off the bandwagon doesn’t just happen game to game, sometimes it can be period to period. Perhaps, shift to shift.
Anyway, nice to see Stempniak score two last night.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
@ Paso
Agreed, small ‘keepers face an uphill battle in the NHL. Add that to the fact Tosk plays way to deep in his net and there’s just too many holes to shoot into. GUS is built like Luongo, big but very athletic and quick. I’m not jumping on the ditch-Toskala bandwagon—I’ve always been on it. He’s been average at best in his time in T.O. In San Jose, he had only one real good year when Nabokov was hurt. JFJ was a putz to invest so much in him, IMO.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Any word on the Komisarek injury?
September 28th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
@Alomo89
I read it’s not serious. I think he’s practicing tomorrow and playing Thursday. I can’t remember where I read that, so don’t quote me.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
By the way,
Is anyone buying the Warner Home Video Toronto Maple Leafs: 10 Great Leafs and their Memorable Games DVD Set for $53.99??
It’s 10 discs and over 1000 mins of coverage. But that is a lot for a set like that.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Sorry not sold on Toskala at all. Other goalies for the Leafs have played in front of worse Leaf D’s. They seemed to look somewhat good. Both Joseph and the Eagle played on worse Leaf teams and still managed to give their teams a chance to win every night. This Leaf D is better defensively then those teams. Toskala just seems to always have an excuse and never takes the blame. He seems to be suffering from the same problem as Raycroft. He lets in soft goal on a nightly basis.
And don’t anyone try to tell me that the Leafs had a better D when Cujo and the Eagle were with us. Two words for you…Aki Berg!! When joseph made his great run in the playoffs the D was ravaged by injuries and Berg was on the second defensive pairing.
The Eagle face over 50 shots from the Sens in playoffs just about every night.
Toskala went 17 of 24 the other night in Buffalo. I don’t care at what time of the season that is… that’s a poor game.
24 shots does not sound like the D went to sleep on Toskala.
I know one game is not a yard stick to the season but this is the second season of this.
Lastly…he played one period the other night and faced only a few scoring chances and let in a weak goal. The Monster came in and faced far more shots and better scoring chances and came away a hero for the saves he made.
Toskala you better wake up cause there is a Monster in your dream.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Thank you Ron.
Let’s NOT turn Jonas Gustavsson into the second coming of Carey Price, who is in actuality the second coming of our Lord Saviour himself.
He’s a good goalie with fantastic upside. Varlamov, Mason, and the other Mason are all goalies who I would take over Gustavsson. Seriously.
Please don’t turn this site into a carbon copy of Habs forums….
September 28th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
The lollygagging will continue around Vesa. The coach will start the season starting him – his play will be indifferent – time will drift into December – Leafs will lose a series of 1 goal games that would have been winable with big league net minding – Goose will be given the reigns after new years – and we’ll miss the playoffs by 3 points.
That’s the formula folks!
September 28th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
On an unrelated note…one of Canada’s greats retired today. Theoren Fleury was an amazing hockey player. Say what you will about his demons. If that guy was another foot taller and 25 pounds heavier then he would have been one of the greatest to play the game. His passion for the game was almost unmatched and always answered the call for his country. He was a fearless player that could change the course of a game. I will always remember his performance in Salt Lake City. He played like a player possessed. At the time his demons were coming to the surface but he checked his ego at the door and played his heart out for his country. I will miss his play and the player. He was absolutely cut from the same cloth as Wendel Clark.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
@ caper. Please dont compare him to Clark.
@ wendel……..absolutely correct. that is the way things work in Leafs-land.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I will keep it short and sweet.
Toskala sucks….he has yet to prove otherwise in any year he has been here. He is too small, is too far into his net and does not have “in the zone” mental makeup of the great goalies.
Gustavsson, while not proven in the NHL…..is big, atheletic, challenges the shooters…..and during the playoffs last year went into the Goalie mental zone…..taking his Season totals from 1.96 GAA and .932 save %……….up to Jesus like 1.03 GAA and .961 save % with 5 shut outs.
Sorry Ron Wilson……no F’in way Toskacrap stops the 2 on 0 against Detroit………nuf said.
Long Live JESUS!
LOL!
September 28th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I would never feel sorry for someone getting paid $4million a year to play goalie. If they suck toss em out on their ear and let them wallow in their millions. If Toskala doesnt perform theres a list of others that will bust their balls to perform.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Why not they played the same game…fearless and left everything on the ice they had. Always full of emotion. Sound like the same to me.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
@Ron- The way Ron Wilson said he was gonna do the line up is whoever is playing their best will get the icetime. So no matter what Vesa did last year(I personally feel he still is a good goalie). I just feel that “The Monster” and Mcdonald outplayed him, therefore Gustuvsson who looked best to me should atleast be the starting goalie opening day.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
thanks ron, you’re absolutely correct. toskala was mad at himself, and i think the competition will be excellent for him. it’s something he hasn’t had since he took over the #1 job here, and if he’s got something to fight for, he’ll do a lot better. not only was he mad at himself yesterday, i think he was also trying too hard and things just weren’t going his way. if he lets in 7 goals in a regular season game, then sure, by all means we can put the pressure on him. but over a pre-season game in which the team in front of him was tired and probably didn’t care that much anymore? it’s just not worth getting mad at him for.
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remember, he played his best hockey last season after he was called out by bryan burke in the media. now he’s got a backup goalie who’s ‘thrown down the gauntlet’ and is going to seriously compete for his job. i think vesa will respond well.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Big t- If I do recall Toskala was pretty good the 1st year he was in Toronto and that team played bad defensive hockey under Paul Maurice. You do not judge a goalie that is adjusting to a new goalie style and its preseason. Leaf fan have relax around here. Judge him after 5 starts then lets see.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Totally agree. He can either learn from this and we’ll be better off in the long run or he’ll continue to falter at which point we see what Gustavsson is capable of…which is pretty much the same result as just dumping him now. So the best and worst case scenarios point to “give him another shot” as having the best possible returns.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
100% agree, brokensilence..
September 28th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I take it Theo didn’t want to play in the AHL, becuase I’m sure the Flames would have kept him around to draw fans for the Heat.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Do you guys still believe Toskala is number 1 based on last years play? or does jonas gustuvson’s great showing earn him the number 1?
September 28th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
@juliesucks-agreed-small and poor positionally is a bad combination. also, Allaire is known for working with large,butterfly goalies which Toskala is neither. what’s worse is this guy imho will not get his game back and unfortunately, we’ll be relegated to holding onto him til the end of the year and get nothing for him-prediction: Gusto plays 50 games, Toskala 20,Joey Mcdonald 12.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
One thing to remember aswell, when the rest of the league starts looking at tapes of Gustavsson and figures out his tendicies he may not look as sharp. These are the best palyers in the world and have at times made the best goalie look less than average. I just hope the team plays well as a whole, if it is Vesa or Jonas or Joey in the net.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
@brokensilence- I know your saying that hell bounce back but your going on assumption there. If thats what were going by then lets put Stempniak on the first line beacause he scored thirty goals 3 years ago, sign theo fleury and bring back jason allison.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
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September 28th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
@o2baleaf- I agree if the whole team plays as a whole we should have a good chance of winning no matter whose in net. I think the best option for the Leafs is to start Gustuvson 1st game just to show Toskala their not messing around and there not afraid to start the rookie.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Gustavsson – in the zone
- http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/Sports/hockey/2009/07/08/gustavsson_lg.jpg
- http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01DycC1cCC4jA/610x.jpg
Toskala – not
- http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/mJHW68xRfPc/Toronto+Maple+Leafs+v+New+York+Islanders/7Jq5djQ1U_Y/Vesa+Toskala
- http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0f8U9VYfax7Pf/610x.jpg
I kid around of course…..but really…..LONG LIVE JESUS! LOL!
September 28th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
It seems to me that whenever the Leafs give up a ton of goals on an average number of shots, it’s always “the D was bad”. Fact is, Leafs goaltending has to show up every night, and even steal a game or two if BB wants the playoff spot. The Leafs are going to have to win 6-9 more games than last year to get the #8 playoff spot and losses early in the season due to poor goaltending WILL cost them!! I still think VeTo gets the start vs the Habs but, if he doesn’t play well and lets in a softy and looks shakey, RW cannot hesitate to get him outta there and throw in the monster, even early in the game. VeTo isn’t a young guy you have to protect anymore. He’s got to go with the best goaltender he’s got and forget about a 32 year old veteran losing his confidence. VeTo HAS to “man up” get his collective S**T together.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Schremp placed on waivers. Burke should claim him, so much skill to pass on this guy. thoughts?
September 28th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I appreciate the blog. I agree while I disagree. Yes, being preseason we should relax and wait to see what we have. I disagree because I just don’t trust Tosakla to make the big save. Believe it or not, most goalies let in soft goals. Brodeur or Luongo are no exceptions! The difference is these guys usually make the big save at the right moment, which is why they have the trust of the players in front of them. A few years ago Joseph was such a keeper, as was Belfour after him. The game has changed alot since 1988 yet I believe it was this year that Grant Fuhr won the Vezina with something like a 3.88 goals against average (could be off here as the numbers don’t need to be 100% to make my point). Fuhr was VERY prone to softies, but his ability to make that big save when it mattered most was incredible. Gretzky said if he had to play one game for everything he owned he would pick Fuhr to be his goalie. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not suggesting that Toskala needs to be Luongo or else we string him up, but I am suggesting that Toskala would make a great NHL back up goaltender. I understand that with his salary situation it would serve the us better to trade him then to use him as a disgruntled back up, but I’m just saying, a back up is probably what he is best suited at in this league. Please Toskala.. prove me wrong! I will be more then glad to fess up that I was wrong, after all, at the end of the day I just want to see us do well.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
In “Players Who Used To Play For Toronto” news …
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Ryan Hollweg just signed with Phoenix. Dirtulence, yo.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
@IBleaf
Assuming that Toskala will play well this year has the same number of pitfalls as assuming that Gustavsson will be able to keep playing as well as he has. Once the book is out on him shooters will find holes in his positioning and reflexes. I’m not saying Gustavsson is going to be a bust but I am saying that we shouldn’t get our hopes up.
Again, I implore the whole lot of you to refrain from using the words Jesus, Roy or Brodeur in the same sentence as the words Monster or Gustavsson. I will accept Lundqvist but ONLY if the sentence contains the words Sweden or Swedish.
Tone it down you kneejerkin’ hosers!
September 28th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I don’t think anyone here would argue that if Toskala looks weak in the first 5 or so games of the regular season, Gus should get his chance to move in and shine. That’s a pretty short leash as it is. And I have no doubt that if Gus does well, he’ll stay in. But Wilson has already stated that it’s 100% that Toskala starts on Oct. 1st, so that shouldn’t be the debate. I don’t see why some have argued that Tosk has never been good in a Leafs jersey – he was good, and occasionally great, in his first year here. I don’t think it’s a given that he’ll never be a good #1 – though I admit it’s tough to see him as a starter on a team seriously competing for the Cup.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
i would agree if he didnt play this bad almost all of last season. Not to mention the fact that Gustavsson has shown up for games, why can’t he? There’s guys fighting for jobs and apparently he’s not up for the challenge…so?? If you ask me i give the reigns to the goalies working to be there best..so far Vesa is not one of those 2 goaltenders.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
In regards to Joey MacDonald he is on a two way contract….correct?? if so, then he does not have to clear waivers when sent down to the Marlies as some have stated.
Please correct me if I am wrong
Thanks,
September 28th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I don’t think the team has any kind of confidence playing in front of him and it shows. I thought this year the team would go out on a limb and try some of the new kids for a change. I quess I was wrong again.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Yeah, I guess so – another squandered year, another abject failure… Before the season has actually started.
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Lol – Leafs fans can indeed be a jaded, dejected bunch!
September 28th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The sad thing is, I realized a couple of years ago that I’m not a hockey fan, just a Leafs fan
lol
September 28th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Lol! That’s a good one… Indeed sometimes feels true.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
@ IBleaf: i’m not saying he’ll bounce back. i’m just saying that I THINK (ie, it’s my opinion) that he’ll respond well to the criticism and the pressure of having someone there who’s ready to take over his job if he falters. we just need to forget the pre-season, forget last season (since he was injured), and give him another chance to prove himself. he’s still a good goalie, he just needs to find his game again.
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also, i’d be very hesitant giving gustavsson the #1 job right away, simply because a) the SEL and NHL are 2 completely different leagues, and he’ll need some time to adjust, and b) the SEL season is a heck of a lot shorter, and he may not be able to take the workload at this point in time.
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back to toskala, though, i think part of the reason he’s struggled is that they’re trying to make him play more of a butterfly style. in SJ and in his first year in toronto, he relied more on his athleticism to make saves. take a look at some old youtube videos of him, and you’ll see how different he looked back then. hopefully allaire will help him out.
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@ Tomps: a 2-way contract is just for money purposes. if the player plays in the NHL, he gets his NHL salary. if he plays in the AHL, he gets an AHL salary. the waiver rules only apply based on the player’s age when he signed his first NHL contract, and how many games he’s played. macdonald isn’t waiver-exempt.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Just a sidenote for everyone if you didn’t know, the Leafs were first in scoring for the preseason with 31 goals. Considering the team was mostly composed of the rookies, seems like the Leafs are not in such bad shape in for the scoring department.
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6 scored by Stalberg
3 scored by Kadri
1 scored by Bozak, Hanson, Tlusty (if you still consider him to be a rookie), Gunnarson each
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That’s a total of 10 goals, which is roughly 33% of the goals scored.
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Will scoring be a problem for the Leafs?…I think not!
September 28th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I hope Toskala has a good season, i’ve always been a fan of him. He can be a number 1 NHL keeper, remember that back in San Jose he was put on a similar level as Nabokov was as a goalie.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
TRADE….
CAL: 3RD Pick
CLB: Stralman
Looks like Burke knew what he was doing after-all…..
September 28th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
@whitey7
No worries about offense. I hope they improve the GAA, and PK big time.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Problem is JMAC in CLB he’ll have a chance to succeed
September 28th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
@luke- its 3 bad games in a row….clearly you havent been watching the pre-season. And Im not sure about everyone else but im not saying hes not battling for #1 im just saying start gustuvson 1st game since hes out played Toskala.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
By starting Gustovson in the first game you are making a statement that Vesa has been demoted to the backup role. I would think that Vesa has to loose that role in the regular season not the preseason. You are also not going to hand the starting role to Gustovson based on three periods of play even thuogh they were a great three periods.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
@broken silence- Sorry about that i guess i misunderstood what you said….I guess Im just sick of people(not you) saying that gustuvson is jesus christ and all that crap……The fact is he looked amazing way more poised and confident. And Im sure youd agree with that.
As for the number 1 spot, Im not saying give it to him but I thought the new Toronto modo was whoever’s playing their best gets the start. So therefore, Gustuvson and mcdonald both outplayed Toskala and should start over him(IMO).
And about Toskala getting trained by Allaire, I know allaire is one of the best goal tending coaches in the world(so ive heard) but it seems like a bad idea to change a 31yr or however old toskala is and completly change his style right before a season.
September 28th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
@scooter: well then start mcdonald, he had pretty good numbers with the Islanders last year andoutplayed Toskala in pre-season.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
As I see the tealeaves–BB/Ron already know they have a potentially huge problem with Tosk, but they don’t yet know if Gus can ‘do it’—They also likely know that JMac can do the back up job.
They also know that they have to ‘find out’ very soon-maybe by mid-October- because most pundits are picking the leafs to miss the playoffs again and BB in partic must be paranoid about April
So, what to do?
I think the odds are that they send Gus down by Wed so he starts every game with the Marlies next 2-3 weeks max–and they play Tosk most games next 2-3 weeks max also (ie both Gus and Tosk play )–If after 2-3 weeks, it looks like Gus can ‘do it’ and Tosk likely not, they then send Tosk down and give his job to Gus at nhl level.
high risk city either way but we gotta bite the bullet soon, one way or the other
If a team claims Tosk, so be it.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
[...] Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Toskala deserves benefit of the doubt. He is on the hot seat with Leafs nation. [...]
September 28th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
screw it. i want the real jesus in net. hell, he can even wear number 99 if he likes. i doubt he’d even need pads. his whole ‘walking on water’ trick won’t seem so miraculous in the NHL though as everyone does it……so i’d expect him to stop pucks. or he gets benched. he’d be a good locker room guy i am sure.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
@IBLeaf:
It’s a joke. I’m not saying he’s actually JC or plays godly enough to warrant that..
Sheesh.
(Actually, I’m not… go Gustavsson!!)
September 28th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I thought the whole point of the pre season was for the players to show what they had. So, no matter how good Gus played it looks like the decsion was already made to go with Toskala no matter who played better.
I coud understand it if we were still in a rebuild mode but BB seems to be going for it. It would be too bad if we lose a few games because of Toskala letting in some of his famous soft goals. Every game should count starting now.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
@Ron- My comments werent all about your article Ron….alot of them were about the ppl commenting on it agreeing that were calling Gustuvson God.
The truth is nobody knows anything about him other then:
1)alot of teams were interested in him
2)His nic name is “The Monster”
3)His GF is a smoking hot blonde swede with glasses
If thats not enough to warrant calling him god I dont know what is……..I just dont think Toskala deserves the opening day start based on his pitiful preseason, but if he does I fully back him and hope that he plays like he did at the start of last year.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’m not sure BB minds losing a player he puts on waivers to possibly send down like he did with Brzgalov and Pheonix picked him on waivers for nothing. BB said in an interview that in the salary cap era you can trade a player and get one back or a draft pick or another important asset, cap space releaf or in other words cash is an asset to spend elsewhere so if a trade can’t be worked out with a player he won’t mind losing their salary only.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
@ Bring the Cup Home,
Now that 99 is actually available… I say Gretz is still good for 40 pts (and will be for the next decade) which is better than (but hopefully not) whoever our 3rd line centre’s gonna be this year. Sign him like we shoulda twenty years ago! Long Live Wayne!
September 28th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
great article! too bad it’s horseshit. toskala’ goaltending deserves to be questioned after the absolute crap goals he’s let in lately. preseason or not, it DOES mean something. if it didn’t, stalberg would be starting the season with the marlies. however, HE played himself onto the starting roster. the same should be applied to toskla. there wasn’t one game this preseason where you could say to yourself, ‘yep! he’s awesome!’.
there is NO lead safe with toskala.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
@Billy D- Well said only i bet Gretz with the new no obstruction rules could still pot 100 pts in a season. Why is there any rumours that gretz is thinkin about coming to TO?lol if not lets start some
September 28th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I heard on 640 that Gretz is thinking of coming to Toronto.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Goaltending, I don’t think can be looked at in isolation. It is also the product the team playing in front of the goaltender. GAA is a good indicator but does not tell the whole story. I highly doubt that Brodeur has had to consistently face the same type of high quality shots as Toskala over the last couple of years. if you have to face 8-10 shots from the slot each night your GAA will suffer no matter who you are.
The defence (including the forwards) this year are going to have to improve in clearing rebounds, moving bodies, and forcing shots from the perimeter. This will improve our goaltending just as much as Toskala getting his MOJO back
September 28th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
@jmaker,
lol. Eklund says it’s verifiable truth – E4. “Gretz did express some interest in coming to TO.” But he still insists on McSorley riding shotgun. lol
September 28th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Altough I can’t wait for the days of the Monster, just a little food for thought…
Toskala’s first year with the Leafs, when he was actually pretty good, he stunk in the pre-season, which was why the Razor started out as our #1 that year.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Some interesting comments from Wilson were just published in the Star. He says if the vets do not perform up to expectations in THE FIRST TWO WEEKS, he will not hesitate to make changes and call up the kids. So there you have it folks. No fooling around to start the season. No extended grace period for the vets on this team.
If you ask me that makes the first couple of weeks very interesting. Last year the Leafs came out of the gate very strong but had trouble finishing, and Toskala was letting in a bad goal or two every game. Call me crazy but I thought the Leafs played in the top five of the league last year in the first 15 games. They were grossly out shooting and out chancing teams during that spell. If Toskala starts like that again Gustavsson will get his chance.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
@LEAFSFAN73
Starting Andrew Waysoft that year was the worst decision Paul Maurice ever made behind our bench. Absolutely mind boggling.
But you are right Toskala had some fine moments that year. Let’s hope he gets back to that and soon.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Toskala hasn’t played a game in 7 months (that’s 200+ days) and in his 3rd appearence, not even game because he hasn’t played every game, you can’t judge him. He for sure sucked balls, but I doubt he plays that bad again
September 28th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
toronto star also saying that in its view it is likely that Bozak has jumped over Kulemin who will likely be sent dn (along with tlusty prob)–ie both Stalman and Bozak start with leafs oct 1
http://www.thestar.com
click on sports at top then read burke article
September 28th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
GAA is a team stat for sure… but save% is what it is.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
braydon schenn sent back to junior by LA
now why would the Star say tonight that it was ‘quite likely’ that Bozak will make the leafs (kulemin dn) when Ron said last night that Stalberg was likely the ‘only one’ ?
September 28th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Now that LA has sent Schenn dn, their Roster is still only at 20 and they have loads of cap space
Wonder if they have been talking to BB?
September 28th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
@2minutes- I hear ya that he hasnt played in the amount of time you just said. But why do you say you dont think hell play that bad again. Why does it only take 3 games to get back to where he was. It could take afew months, are the leafs willing to wait around for him to get his game back?
September 28th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
That was @ Jordan not 2 minute!!!!!!!!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
A few guys have mentionned it but it hasn’t garnered much discussion…what about claiming Schremp ? He’s a Yank (so obviously he’s destined to play for the Buds), has a pretty good skill set , has something to prove and he was once a high pick of Lowe’s (which Burke could gloat over if Schremp ever lights it up). Any thoughts fellas ?
September 28th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
raycroft beats out cory schneider in vanc for backup role–hmmm
September 28th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
@ionsys
Maybe a change of heart, or Burke wants Bozak??
September 28th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
@jmaker
save% is much more an individual stat than GAA for sure, but save% it is also a product of the number of quality of shots a goalie faces from night to night. If loungo was playing for the leafs last year I don’t think his save% would be as great as what it was in Vancouver.
If the the team in front of the goaltender is defensively responsible, then the goaltender does not have to stand on his head and steal games. We are expecting Toskala to steal games which he should do on occasion but not every game. Look at Detroit and Osgood last year, Detroit made it to the finals with goaltending not much better than the leafs.
September 29th, 2009 at 12:20 am
[...] Toskala Deserves Benefit of the Doubt… For Now : Maple Leafs Hot Stove [...]
September 29th, 2009 at 7:45 am
@ibleaf
Your right, a lot of fans will be off the bang wagon with him but after a few weeks he should be getting in the grove again
September 29th, 2009 at 11:48 am
@Jordan- I hear ya there. I am not a Toskala hater, its more so that I am just so excited to see Gusuvson in the net!!! However, If Toskala can turn his game around that is definatly a better situation for Toronto, you dont wanna just give a rookie the #1 but out play Toskala when there both in top form. Also, it increases both there market values if there both playing good.
It would also be nice if guys like Stempy,Finger,White,poni,stajan etc could have break out seasons to increase there market value as well.
September 29th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
According to HockeyCentral
The following Leafs will be healthy scratches on thursday…
Kulemin
Tlusty
Bozak
AND….
MacDonald has been placed on waivers to play for the Marlies meaning The Monster is in for Thursday!
November 30th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
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