Maple Leafs-Candiens: Toronto Tops Habs In Montreal

While the Battle Of Ontario has been much more heated in recent years, one could argue that the Original Six rivalry that is Toronto and Montreal is the most exciting.

And tonight didn't disappoint.

Darcy Tucker scored two goals for the Maple Leafs, including an empty netter that sealed a 4-2 victory for the club, who bounced back with a strong effort after Tuesday's humiliating loss.

The teams set a blistering pace in the opening frame, a period that really both teams had their share of chances in.  It was Montreal opening the scoring in the eleventh minute as Tomas Plekanec notched his 20th of the season.  It is Plekanec second consecutive 20 goal season.

The Leafs got an answer goal at 17:24 of first, when grinder Kris Newbury stepped into a slap shot that beat Canadiens goalie Carey Price.  The goal, which was assisted by Dominic Moore and Boyd Devereaux.

The quick pace that was set in the first period was carried over into the second stanza, as the period's first goal came in under 90 seconds.  On somewhat of a jam play, Matt Stajan took a shot, Price made the original save but the rebound fluttered to Darcy Tucker who banged it in past the goaltender, to give the Leafs the first lead of the night.  The goal was Tucker's seventh of the season.

Late in the second period with the Maple Leafs working the powerplay, Leafs fans got a glimpse of the Kyle Wellwood who has been missing since the year got under way.  Kaberle made a slick pass to Wellwood, who got a shot off, which was stopped by Price, however the pint sized pivot picked up his own rebound and roofed it over the prone goalie, stretching Toronto's lead to two, as the second period came to a close with Toronto leading 3-1.

As the third period started Montreal was pressuring Toronto tremendously, and in the six minute mark persistence paid off.  Alex Kovalev deposited his 25th of the year, a short handed goal, to cut the Maple Leafs lead to one.  

It would be, however, as close as Montreal would get on the scoreboard.  Though they continued their hard pressure for most of the third, the Maple Leafs got real solid goaltending from Vesa Toskala, followed by Tucker's empty netter to clinch the victory.

Toskala made 34 saves in the win, while the rookie Price made 24 saves in a losing cause.

Game Thoughts

--Great to see a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, so to speak, for Kris Newbury.  Though he will likely never be more than a role player for the club, he is very effective in doing his job.  He knows what the club expects of him, and he brings it every night.  Hard working, good strong forecheck, and tonight he pitched in with a goal, which is a bonus not only for him but the club as well.  However, it may not be enough to keep Newbury up with the big club.  Both Alex Steen and Nik Antropov are scheduled to return for Saturday's game against Detroit, meaning Newbury's time in the big leagues could be coming to an end, for now.

--Keeping with the fourth line theme, could we have expected any more from Dominic Moore?  The local paper here ran an article about Moore, in which he stated how much of an honour it was to put on a Leafs jersey.  The article also discussed how when Moore was in high school, he got to meet then Leafs captain Doug Gilmour.  He even has a signed Gilmour stick on his bedroom wall.  

--Very physical game tonight for sure.  I'm not completely sure, but I would be willing to bet that Montreal did out hit Toronto, but for the most part Toronto didn't back down. 

--Nice to see Darcy Tucker doing what he does best, mixing it up, driving to the net.  He was rewarded tonight with two goals (one an empty net goal.)  With the two goals Tucker's tally is 8 for the season, a far cry from last year's 24.

--We had a flashback night for the most part tonight.  Wellwood was good tonight, Tucker was above average, and the Leafs got goaltending that potentially stole the game for them (for the record I thought the first period was even, Toronto was better in the second frame, and Montreal owned the third.)

Quick Hits

Earlier tonight the story was broke by a few media outlets that the Maple Leafs were on the verge of signing Swedish prospect Linus Klassen.  Klassen is a 22 year old who plays for Sodertalje of the Swedish Elite League.  Because of his size (5'8") and his talent potential, he is being compared to NHL players such as Daniel Briere, and Martin St. Louis.

However, it appears that the Maple Leafs are denying the report, saying they haven't held any talks with Klassen.  This seems to be a pretty interesting storyline to follow throughout the weekend, so I'll keep you posted.

Also just a reminder that I have set up an email address where you can direct questions, opinions, comments, or  suggestions.  The address is [e-mail]

I can be reached there any time, and will respond to the email and I will even post the best questions/opinions in future editions of Leafs Notes.

So that's it for tonight, where the Maple leafs have defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-2.  Next up for the Leafs is an afternoon tilt with Detroit, who blew a 3-1 lead at home tonight, before losing to LA 5-3.

Next Game:

Toronto Vs Detroit

Saturday 3 PM

On CBC as part of Hockey Day In Canada