Maple Leafs Continue to Struggle

Slowly but surely that optimistic feeling which was felt throughout the Toronto Maple Leafs fan base during pre- season is turning into desperate panic even though it’s still early October. After enjoying a solid 6-3 exhibition record no one would have guessed that the bigger and tougher Leafs who were built to challenge for the playoffs would be winless in their first five games (0-4-1) for the first time since 1990/91. After supposedly solidifying their blue line with off -season moves that brought in defenceman Mike Komisarek, Garnet Exelby and Francois Beauchemin the Leafs to the surprise of management and fans alike are not only dead last in the standings with one point but are also in the cellar for defence where they have given up a league worse 24 goals. (Average of 4.8 goals against). Goaltending has also been a hot issue in Leaf land as starter Vesa Toskala who has an ugly GAA of 5.56 and an unflattering save percentage of 8.12 couldn’t turn things around on Monday night as the Leafs lost 7-2 at Madison Square Gardens against the surging New York Rangers. With back to back games it is almost a sure bet that coach Ron Wilson who said many times that he would stick with Toskala will give newcomer Joey MacDonald the start on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche. Even though it’s only October 13 this game wil test the character of the team. It will be interesting to see if they come out as a desperate team and show great reciliency after two straight lopsided loses (Pittsburgh Penguins loss prior to the Rangers on Monday night), or if they will play like a timid team scared of making mistakes.They are playing a rebuilding Avalanche team who have had their fair share of success against the Leafs in recent years by winning three of their last five meetings. While it’s definately gut check for the Leafs by no means is it time to panic.