Maple Leafs vs. Lightning: Another Disappointment

"Get it out!"

You can almost hear everyone screaming during the final minutes of a Toronto Maple Leafs game.

"Clear the puck out!"

You almost feel the need to talk to the team, even if it's through a 17-inch television set because you can just see the path of certain disaster.

Well, it happened yet again on Dec. 20 at Tampa Bay.

The Leafs were playing some good hockey after coming off of a hard loss to Carolina in overtime. Vesa Toskala looked like he was getting comfortable as a Leaf, the young guys were producing, and the veterans were being veterans. Defensively, the Leafs were holding down the fort, tied at one in the third period. They had lots of chances and were looking to hold on for that much needed point for making it to overtime.

But then the unthinkable happened.

After a huge defensive collapse by the Lightning the puck came out to the point where an excited Pavel Kubina was looking to shoot through a crowd of players rather then pass to Jason Blake. Kubina leaned into the puck, shattering his stick. Oh boy!

Two Lightning skated out with the puck, while Blake pushed hard to get back. The defense made a huge play for the Leafs, stopping a heartbreaking situation...or did they?

As Tomas Kaberle gave chase to a Lighting puck handler who had nothing open to him, Blake ended up in the corner with Kubina who had no stick or helmet. Kaberle failed to clear the puck and St. Louis put it on the tape of Lecavilier. Next thing heard was the Tampa goal horn.

Heartbreak yet again, but who do you blame? Why is clearing the puck out such an issue?

Most of the Leafs worked hard and they sure looked good. If they can get their defensive problems fixed, they have the heart and the support of their fans to go far. Toronto really needs to look at their defensive situation—leave Paul Maurice where he is and the goal tending is not the issue.