Morning Mashup: A Monster Performance

by Garrett Bauman on October 28, 2011 in Leafs News - 818 Comments

Leafs Nation held its collective breath when news broke yesterday that injured goaltender James Reimer was experiencing “concussion-like symptoms” and was subsequently placed on IR.  With a maddeningly-inconsistent Jonas Gustavsson set to start against the New York Rangers, The Nation — rightly or wrongly — wondered aloud if it was about to bear witness to the beginnings of yet another late-October collapse.

As it turns out, fans need not have worried. “The Monster” turned in an excellent performance against the Rangers, stopping 28 of 30 shots on net, and providing the fanbase a glimmer of hope that he can still recapture the form he displayed in his rookie season two years ago.  Gustavsson’s pure ability has never been denied; his ability to put it all together on a consistent basis, however, has left much of the fanbase in doubt over what his role — and future — with the organization will ultimately be.

Gustavsson’s challenge now is to prove he can turn in reliable performances such as last night’s on a regular basis.  With Reimer not eligible to return until Sunday at the earliest, he should have an opportunity to do exactly that Saturday night when the Pittsburgh Penguins roll into town.

Morning links after the jump.

.

Leafs Links

Leafs Spoil Opening Night on Broadway
James Mirtle recaps last night’s victory.

Game in 10
In case you missed it, Mislav’s excellent-as-always postgame report.

The Apprenticeship of Joe Colborne
PPP takes a look at the development of Joe Colborne. Alternate title: #ThankUBoston

Reimer Out but Leafs Say It’s Not a Concussion
You say “concussion”, I say “concussion-like symptoms”.

Marlies Keep Heat Cold
Another win for the Leafs’ affiliate. Depth, baby.

Life Without Hockey Suits Sundin
Catching up with the former captain.

.

NHL Links

Jets earn wild 9-8 win over Flyers
Casual baseball fans who thought that was the score of the World Series game are forgiven.

Ilya Bryzgalov’s Awkward Apology for Being Terrible
On a serious note, I wish more athletes would man up like this. On a less-serious note, I’d attempt a city parks joke but the “lost in the woods” quote makes it far too easy.

Whatever Happened to the NHL Goal Verification Line?
Come to think of it, that did disappear awful quick.

Kyle Turris Standoff: GM Stands Firm, Agent Targets NHL
As if it wasn’t already difficult enough to side with the player. This thing’s getting uglier by the day.

Donald Duck is “The Hockey Champ” (1939)
Complete with a joke cartoons could never get away with today. Old-school Disney rules.

.

Print article