MLHS Morning Mashup: Enroth Crushes Leafs’ Hopes
Photo Credit: Rick Stewart/Getty Images
It appeared as though the Leafs received a lucky break when the Sabres announced that Ryan Miller was listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury as a result of being hit in the chest by a Dion Phaneuf slapshot on Tuesday. As Leafs fans, we should know better by now. With Miller out, the Sabres started a relatively unproven and undersized goalie in Jhonas Enroth, who had only appeared in nine NHL games prior to starting last night. He made 23 saves to earn the victory and his first career shutout. Buffalo’s win puts the Leafs seven points out of the eighth and final playoff spot with only five games remaining.
Toronto is back in action tonight against their division rival Boston Bruins, who have struggled against the Leafs this season, winning only two of the five previous matchups. However, the Bruins enter the game on a hot streak, winning three straight, their latest a 3-0 shutout performance over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
Tonight’s game figures to be a goaltending battle between Thomas and James Reimer. Both have been consistent all season, but have been especially impressive in their last few games. Thomas has shutouts in two of his last three games, while Reimer enters the game with wins in five of his six starts.
The last time Boston and Toronto met, on March 19th, the Leafs broke out, potting five goals on Thomas. Although it is possible, it is highly unlikely that we see another see-saw match in Beantown tonight. Expect a low-scoring affair with strong defensive play by both teams fighting to finish the season on a positive note.
Quotables:
“I think I could be (the No. 1 netminder in Toronto) but there’s a lot of good goalies out there and management is going to have decisions to make. I’m sure they’re going to make the right ones.â€
- James Reimer, courtesy of Paul Hunter at the Toronto Star
Leafs Links:
James Mirtle confirms that Ron Wilson will return behind the bench next season. Brian Burke thinks Wilson has “done a marvellous job†with the team this season. What are your thoughts Leaf Nation?
Maple Leafs 4 v. Sabres 3: Job Done
In case you missed it, Tuesday’s game recap from PPP.
Matt Frattin Is A 2011 Hobey Baker Award Finalist
The 23-year old and former fourth round pick led the WCHA in scoring with 22 goals and 40 points in 28 games for North Dakota.
George Malik at Kuklas Korner has more on the other two players in contention.
Leafs Keep Nail From The Coffin
Jonas Siegel recaps Tuesday’s win over Buffalo.
Another humorous video for Bloge Salming in partnership with THOH.
With Five Left, Leafs Still Kicking
Steve Lansky at The Leafs Nation says it ain’t over ’till it’s over for the Leafs’.
Leafs’ made playoffs in miracle run 52 years ago. Can they do it again?
Paul Hunter at the Toronto Star takes an in-depth look at the Leafs run in 1959 and wonders if they can re-create the magic this time around.
Leafs’ Tim Brent sees the visor issue clearly now
Brent was lucky to avoid serious eye damage and is now wearing a visor on a full-time basis.
‘We have character,’ Reimer says
Interesting quotes from Reimer and his thoughts on the team, courtesy of the Toronto Sun.
Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke Remains Confident in Reimer and Kadri
Lukas Hardonk at The Hockey Writers looks at Burke’s confidence in Reimer and Kadri heading into next season and beyond.
Shorthanded Marlies lose wild one to Syracuse
Marlies lose 4-3 to the Crunch and currently sits two points back of the final playoff spot in the West.
Other hockey links:
Video: Hal Gill shatters glass in Carolina with his sheer enormity
Gill shatters the glass in Carolina after being hit relatively lightly by Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu.
Enroth, filling in for injured Miller, keeps Sabres on playoff path
The young Enroth made 23 saves over the Rangers en route to his first career shutout.
Last Night in Leafs Prospects:
Former third round pick in 2009 Jamie Devane scored for the Plymouth Whalers with less than 8 seconds left in the third period to tie the game at 5-5 with the Kitchener Rangers. The Whalers went on to win 6-5 thanks to a thrilling final minute goal to force overtime. Devane leads all Leafs prospects in OHL playoff scoring with one goal and three assists in just three games.
