When your team is in the top 3 in wins (Colorado 43, Carolina 41, Florida 41) you know that all opponents are coming after you every night. The Hurricanes brought their show to Toronto this St Patrick’s day to prove they are no fluke. The Maple Leafs are coming off a strong showing on Tuesday thanks to a 35 save shutout from newcomer Erik Kallgren. He got his second consecutive start tonight versus top GAA (2.06) and second place save % man, former Leaf and Vezina Trophy candidate Freddy Andersen.
Carolina came out in their now patented high flying manner buzzing the Leafs with the first 5 shots, one of which required a quality save by Kallgren. The last time these clubs met, Toronto won in OT off a Mitchell Marner goal and tonight’s end to end match looked like another close one was pending. Ilya Mikaev scored off a lovely give and go with Justin Holl to open the scoring with 4 minutes left.
WOW, a firewagon pace between 2 great clubs – great play both ways. Marner popped his 24th off a nice Tavares feed to put the Leafs up 2 zip after 2 despite being out shot 23-12 at the buzzer.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were full measure for their 3 to 2 win over a solid Carolina club tonight. Goalie Erik Kallgren made 34 saves for his second straight win. Ondrj Kase scored the winner in his third straight game. Pretty tough to argue that the Toronto team has a meaningful club.
HOPPER NOTES: The St. Pat’s unis are cool, but I really think they need to re-design the backs. Was it just me or was it hard to read the numbers ? eg Jason Spezza looked he was wearing # 119…in addition to tonight’s 3 stars, kudos to Mikaev, Kerfoot, Reilly and Lyubushkin – an all ‘round good team win…after Monday’s trade deadline, I sure hope the Leaf d-man pairings look like this: Reilly & Lyubushkin, Giardano & Brodie, Muzzin & Holl (expendable Dermott ad Liljgren)…only 6 shots on Carolina’s 3 PP’s…maybe this kid CAN play goal at this level – 70 saves 2 GAA in 2 1/3 games…
CHEERS – Live your life as it was meant to be – pursue your happiness !
Geez..is this kid our savior ???
Pretty impressive…
Maybe Dubas can find a sucker to take Mrazek off our hands and free up three million..
Giardano would look sweet on the D line..