Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Young Maple Leaf Team Gets Schooled By Tampa

As the defense for the Maple Leafs continues to wane, so does the team record.  Blocked shots are a telling sign of how effective the team is playing in front of the goaltender.  With only 16 blocked shots last night for Toronto compared to 22 for Tampa, it is not hard to imagine which team wanted to win more.  If Toronto had managed to block more shots and reduce the shots Tampa had from 25 to under 20, it could have been a much different game.  Tampa Bay will scare you with the group of forwards rather than the defense core that will not bring fear to opposition teams.  If your core players such as Stamkos (3 BS), Ohlund (3 BS), Kubina (4 BS) and Hedman (2 BS) are sacrificing their bodies for the team, it motivates the entire team.  Only three Toronto forwards were successful at blocking shots, Versteeg (1 BS), Brown (1 BS) and Orr (1 BS) with Lebda (3 BS) and Schenn (4 BS) leading the way.  A better team effort is required and hopefully the Leafs will adjust against Florida tonight.

Not one goal last night could be faulted on Giguere.  The first three goals were in part the fault of the Leaf forwards not take the late man or covering the points.  Compounding the issue was the Leaf defense not blocking the shooting lane or not taking the man but rather the puck and getting beat in front of the net.  Overall, it was a sloppy defensive game that cost the Leafs two valuable points.  Tampa could have scored more goals if not for Giguere making amazing saves.

And here is a summary of last night's game.


















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