One of the Hot Stove readers asked for an update on how the Leafs have fared without Mike Van Ryn. And the results are actually quite surprising.
injury
Ed. Note: The timing seems just about right as the Leafs play Atlanta in Atlanta on Monday. Obviously, Ron Wilson will have to test him in spotlight of the ACC but this seems like the perfect scenario for Pogge to get the first one under his belt. If this experiment goes well, it may mean that Curtis Joseph will hang up his skates, assume a coaching position of some sort and Justin Pogge will back-up Toskala with a healthy dosage of appearances.... not to get too far ahead of myself, though.
It appears Vesa Toskala has been complaining of a sore groin for some time, and during the Leafs' 7-3 win over the Pens last night, the soreness had reached a limit. TSN is reporting that Toskala will be out of the lineup when the Leafs face the Thrashers on Monday.
As expected, the injured Dana Tyrell has been replaced with the WHL’s Evander Kane, and Team Canada prepares for their second exhibition game tonight against Team Finland.
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Team Quinn does exactly what the former NHL head coach always demanded from his team. An all out hard hitting war, and that’s exactly what fans have gotten.
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On the topic of spin-o-ramas, here's a highlight reel play from Leafs' 6th rounder in 2006 Tyler Ruegsegger during recent collegiate action. [More after the jump, including an update from U of D head coach George Gwozdecky].
The Maple Leafs look to extend their two game winning streak Tuesday night as they entertain the New Jersey Devils sans Martin Brodeur. Rookie Jeremy Williams looks to continue a streak of his own having scored in each of his first two appearances this season.
Anton Stralman has been sent down to the Marlies presumably to accommodate the return of Jonas Frogren off the injury reserve come Tuesday against New Jersey (or possibly because he was sitting the press box & not playing). In keeping with the "if you come to play you stay" mantra that Ron Wilson has been preaching, Jaime Sifers' run with the big club has been extended.
Stralman was outwardly displeased last time he was demoted to the AHL, which makes one a little uneasy about his potential reaction this time around. Due to waiver restrictions, it was going to have to be one of Sifers or Stralman, and there's no doubt Sifers is deserving of an extended stay with the big club based on his performance so far.
An ailing crop of defenders, a change of scenery, and a night off.
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Wow.
Lee Stempniak exchanged for Alexander Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo.
I like it, and here’s why:
During Saturday night's home game against the Canadiens, Mike Van Ryn went back in his own end to play the puck, and was subsequently hit from behind by Kostopoulous squarely on the numbers, sending Mike face first into the boards. The impact was tremendous and right away you could tell that it was serious as Van Ryn collapsed immediately in a heap, holding his face with blood spilling onto the ice. The hit occurred at 7:03 into the first period, and Kostopoulos received a 5 minute boarding major and a game misconduct. [more…]
The Maple Leafs are ready to set the upcoming season stage for the Detroit Red Wings tonight at the Joe Louis arena and quite a few regulars are ready to pull the jersey back on.
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