Vesa Toskala Back with Toronto Maple Leafs, Phil Kessel Close To Joining Him

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

The offseason saw Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke make plenty of changes. Amongst the biggest moves were Burke’s acquisitions of Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson, and, last but not least, high-flying forward Phil Kessel.

With so many changes, it has been difficult for Leaf players to find the chemistry needed to compete in today’s NHL. The defense has looked out of sorts all season and the forwards have been out of sync as well.

In net, a couple injuries have limited the play of both Gustavsson and Vesa Toskala. Losing one of your starting goaltenders is hard enough for a team to bounce back from, never mind your top two.

Lack of chemistry, poor defensive coverage, an inability to make the first pass, and a tough October schedule have all conspired to lead the Leafs to a 1-7-2 record through 10 games. Let’s call it what it is, shall we? The Leafs have been pooping the bed!

For the Leafs and their fans, all they want is something to believe in. In the past two games, Gustavsson has been solid in net and the offense that was absent for most of October has scored nine goals.

Admittedly, two games do not make a season, but it is something to build on, which, at this point, is all the Leafs and their fans can ask for.

Now, with the Leafs seemingly on their way out of the early season slump, TSN is reporting that Leafs netminder Vesa Toskala will suit up this Saturday when the Leafs travel to Montreal to take on the Habs.

Toskala, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, will serve as a backup to Gustavsson, once again solidifying the Leafs goaltending...or so Brian Burke hopes!

And, just when you thought things couldn’t get better, TSN is also reporting that Phil Kessel, Burke’s prized pony, will likely play his first game of the season next Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The news couldn’t come at a better time. Despite the Leafs’ recent success, they could use a shot in the arm.

Averaging just 2.40 goals per game, the Leafs rank 25th amongst all NHL teams. Clearly, coming off a successful 2008-'09 season with the Boston Bruins in which Kessel scored 36 goals and registered 232 shots, Kessel’s offensive skills should be the prescription that cures what ails the Leafs.

The addition of Toskala is icing on the cake. The Leafs still hope Toskala can emerge as the Leafs No. 1 goaltender, but, given the recent success of the Monster, the Leafs can afford to be patient and play the hot hand.

Some say, “No news is good news," in this case, the Leafs welcome the news with open arms. Hopefully, it brings with it additional positive headlines.

Until next time,

Peace!