HALLELUUGH!!!

Most of Leafs Nation had guessed the end of the current Justin Holl era, based on his horrid numbers recently.  Coach Keefe pulled the trigger, going back to the 11F/7D configuration for tonight’s critical game six match in Tampa Bay.

Out for TML was Holl, Sam Lafferty and Zach Aston-Reese.  In came Michael Bunting and Swede defenceman Liligren and Erik Gusfstaven. Was this part of the answer to the 0-10 elimination streak ?

The Tampa Bay Lightning stayed with their game 5 winning line-up.  I’m certain Coach Cooper was hoping for more from his top snipers Kucherov, Point and Stamkos, but would welcome the continued contributions from foot soldiers such a Kilorn and Paul.  And, never forget the possibility of Vasilevsky throwing a shutout.

It appeared that both teams were happy to go head to head/tic for tac throughout the opening stanza.  Both goalies took turns shining in goal mouth scrambles.  A great save off TJ Brodie by Vasilevsky, matched by an even better stick save by Samsonov in an earlier goal mouth encounter.  Zeroes after one – a 10-7 shot advantage for Tampa.  Great Hockey.

Just when I was starting to think that this hockey game was going to extra innings (just like today’s Jays game), the Leafs hard work and especially their forecheck became front and centre.  Another full court press, allowed TJ Brodie to snag a clearing attempt.  He just happened to find the Leafs top goal scorer and his feed led to a “roof daddy” for AM 34 – his 5^th of the series.  1 zip Tranna.

Jon Cooper made himself look like a genius when he thrrew Stamkos out with his two most productive forwards – Cicerelli and Kilorn.  Stammer popped in the tying goal at 4:11.  The stronger the Lightning got, the more scrambly and confused the Leafs looked.  Samsanov continued his stellar play to hold down the fort.  I did sense the BOLTS were looking a little weary late in the game, especially with a rather unnecessary icing call against in the last minute.  Overtime anyone ?!?

CAPTAIN JOHNNY HAS SET LEAFS NATION FREE !  Can you even imagine three straight OT wins in Tampa !!  JUMP RIGHT BACK ON THE BANDWAGON _ YE, OF LITTLE FAITH !!

HOPPER NOTES: So does game one vs Boston or Florida start Wednesday ?  another McCabe hit, this time on my favorite Corry Perry…speaking of which, Noel Accarui leads the playoffs in hits…did Jarnkrok dress tonight ? …WAY too many Betting ads on the TV coverage….has the “O-Dog”, Jeff O’Neil been fired from TSN?  it’s been since Wednesday that we haven’t seen him on OVERDRIVE or any of the panels – please share if you have any info – I liked the guy…is Detroit Coach LaLonde really needed on an already crowded panel – so dull – Where’s Jennifer Botterill ?…got to wonder how much self doubt was creeping in on to the TML bench after Stamkos scored to tie it… oh yeah, we were wearing the whites tonight (Gary !)…CHEERS and enjoy my Leafs Nation pals !!