GDT: Leafs at Canucks (7 p.m., CBC)

by Alec Brownscombe on February 18, 2012 in Game Day - 1,386 Comments

Photo: Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

What a test this is tonight for Canada’s team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Vancouver Canucks are on a riotous tear at the moment, looking to extend their points streak to twelve and pick up their tenth consecutive win over the Maple Leafs in the process. The last time the Canucks lost in regulation was January 15 (a month and three days ago), and the last time the Leafs beat the Canucks was November 24, 2003 (nine years, two months and 24 days ago). If there’s a reason for positivity, it’s that the Canucks have been to overtime or shootout seven times during their eleven game points streak, meaning the games have been tight.

Alex Burrows took a bite at the Leafs in an interview today:

“The Leafs have always been a team I hated as a kid,” Vancouver’s Alexandre Burrows said after scoring the game-winner in a 5-3 victory at Toronto on Dec. 17. “I know a lot of fans in Vancouver don’t like this team. It just makes it extra special.”

The Leafs will need a big game from James Reimer tonight if they’re going to have a shot in this one. A weak goal more than likely will be a killer against a Canucks team that’s allowed only 11 goals over its last six. He’ll also be tending the crease opposite one of the hottest goaltenders in the league over the last month in Roberto Luongo.

Continuing to stay out of the box will also be key as Vancouver’s 22% powerplay is tops in the league.

One tip as we hope for a historic Leafs win tonight; Jim Hughson is commentating a Canucks – Leafs game with Roberto “GREAT SAVE!” Luongo in net. Make sure you mute in advance.

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