Leafs Lose Sixth Straight, Show Some Hope

Last night the Toronto Maple Leafs lost their sixth straight game 4-3. This was also their sixth loss of the season to the Senators. As this is the longest losing streak for the Buds since 1997 and they have lost six to their Ontario arch-rival Ottawa Senators, these are very dark days for Leaf Fans.

Having almost 40 years under my belt as a Leaf fan I have been down this path many, many times in the past. My last column listed possible minor league replacements, prior to that I questioned whether the coach should be fired and which players should be moved. Today I'm going to try to be positive about our most current failing effort as it was their best effort during this dark streak.

List of positives the Leafs need to build on from their 4-3 loss last night.

1. The Leafs outshot Ottawa 26-22. Twenty six shots isn't a ton, but, it is respectable. Holding first place offensive juggernaut Ottawa to 22 shots shows good effort by the team.

2. The Leafs outplayed the Senators in the second period. The Senators were outshot 12-5 and outscored 1-0.

3. Down 4-1 the Leafs scored two in a comeback attempt. In the third period, the Leafs quickly gave up 2 goals but came back late in the game with 2 of their own. Given the opportunity to throw in the towel, the Leafs did not and tried to claw back for victory. The Leafs showed heart in this game.

4. Tie Domi showed up ready to play. For the first time in 37 games Domi actually recorded a goal. Furthermore, he dropped his gloves and had a good showing scrapping with Chris Neal.

5. Wade Belak stood up to Brian McGrattan. Earlier in the season McGrattan destroyed Tie Domi in a bout, last night Belak fared well against McGrattan, a match which I would describe as a draw. Finally, the Leafs showed they were not going to be intimidated by Ottawa.

6. Other than Staffan Kronvall the defence played well after losing Carlo Colaiacovo to a mild concussion. Kaberle played 30 minutes (-1), Klee 28 minutes (Even), Berg 21 minutes (+1), Khavanov 21 minutes (Even). Losing Colaiacovo early in the first period and having only 5 defenceman in an often porous defence corps could have meant a much worse result. Again the Leafs showed pride and discipline in their defensive play for the most part.

The Leafs have something to build off of and if they are determined they can end their losing streak Thursday night when the Buffalo Sabres play the Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. This game will be televised by TSN. Next up, the Montreal Canadiens are in town Saturday night and will be shown on Hockey Night in Canada. Two victories here will see Leafs fans go from depression to glee.

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