Maple Leafs-Red Wings: Toronto Beats Detroit, Super Skills Set to Go Today

Let me just preface this by saying that the reason I don't usually post my recaps and analysis of Saturday night games is basically because Saturday night is a pretty busy night. 

There are never less than ten people crammed into my basement, watching the Leafs game—which sounds like a recent Canadian beer commercial, but I swear it to be true. 

So really, with so much discussion, it's hard to me to get completely checked in with the game, I simply take Saturdays to watch it as a fan.

But fear not, because we have talented people on this site who do a great job covering the Leafs on weekends.  As always I will be doing recaps and analysis for every weekday game, so be on the lookout for the next one this Wednesday night, Immediately following the Leafs/Sabres tilt from HSBC in Buffalo.  

Onto the Notes:

Leafs Solid In Win Over Wings

What a game, seeing their proximity, and the fact that they are an original-six rival, they should meet a whole lot more.  In saying that, by having just one meeting between them, it makes it somewhat more special when they do play.  Kind of weird seeing the Leafs play at three, I think the last time that happened during the regular season was also Hockey Day In Canada, way back when, the Leafs took on the Sens if I'm not mistaken.

What a game by the Leafs.  Granted two of the three goals that got by Hasek had a bit of an aroma to them.  I was real impressed with how hard the Leafs worked throughout the night.  I thought they were going to let their hard work slip away in the third, as Detroit was all over them, eventually taking the 2-1 lead on a bit of a weird play that was eventually deflected by Sameulsson.  However, late in the game captain Mats Sundin tied the game, sending it to overtime, where it only took 62 seconds for Nik Antropov to deflect an Anton Stralman point blast past Dominik Hasek for the win.  

The Leafs got both Nik Antropov and Alex Steen back for the tilt.  Alexei Ponikarovsky is still a week or two away from returning.

Game Awards:

MVP: Vesa Toskala

Forward Of The Game:  Mats Sundin, slightly edging out Nik Antrpov

Defenseman Of The Game: Tomas Kaberle, all seven were strong tonight, but Kabby grabbed two helpers, on the first and third goals.

Unsung Hero Of The Game: Dominic Moore.  Toskala was the hero of the game for sure, making several key third period saves, but this award goes to the player who makes a difference, with little fan fare, and tonight that was Moore.  Always engaged in every shift, he did a tremendous job penalty killing in this game and was a defensive gem for the entire tilt.

Leafs Super Skills Goes Today

The Toronto Maple Leafs team Super Skills will go today at the Air Canada Centre.  The festivities get under way at 11 AM.  

The Leafs will not be using the updated skills the NHL used at this year's All Star Game, instead opting the use the classic style competition.  Skills will include Hardest Shot, Accuracy Shooting, Puck Control, and more.

Proceeds from the event go to the Leafs Fund, as well as the NHLPA's Goals And Dreams Fund.

Boys In Blue Have Three Days To Wait

Now, normally, teams would love to have three days off this time of year, being so close to the post season and all.  However, the Leafs won't be going to the post season, and have three big victories over the league's top three teams in the last eight days, so one would assume they wouldn't want a break.

But, the schedule dictates the mini break.  The Leafs resume action Wednesday night at the HSBC arena as they tangle with the Buffalo Sabres.   The game will be broadcast live on TSN starting at 7PM, as part of their Wednesday Night Hockey.

Buffalo sits ninth in the East as of today, just three points out of a playoff spot.  By Wednesday that could change, making the game pretty important for the Sabres.  If those precious points weren't enough, the simple fact that it's Toronto/Buffalo should get the players (and fans) blood pumping.  The HSBC will be rocking Wednesday, with a good amount of Leafs Nation members there in full voice to cheer on the Buds.

That's Leafs Notes for today, Sunday February 10th.  Be sure to be on the lookout for the next edition, which will come your way tomorrow afternoon.

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