Big Apple takes a bite out of the Leafs

After an impressive first period in which the Leafs were attacking with speed and knocking the Rangers onto their heels, the buds wilted in the second period as an 'out of the groove' looking Belfour fell victim to Jagr utilizing the defender as a screen on each of his two goals that both went through the wickets, as did Poti's fresh-out-the-sin-bin break away marker for the lead. Eddie looked hapless on the fourth goal during a 5-on-3 PK to Sykora, going down early and indecisive in his approach to the situation. Granted he wasn't getting much help on the play, but the slo-mo replay was like watching a deer in headlights. Perhaps Eddie should've sat this one out, but that's easy to say after the fact.

Wellwood played a tremendous game, generating chances almost everytime he touched the puck as he distributed the biscuit like a point guard. On Kilger's spin-o-rama in the first, Wellwood played a nifty re-direct off the half boards for the only assist on the play. On Tucker's top-shelf tally, Wellwood ran the diversion on the three-man rush, one-timing a pass back against the grain to the open wing, giving Darcy all day to out-wait the intelligent and athletic Lundqvist. Kyle seems to be hitting his mid-season stride and is being rewarded with better linemates. I'm looking forward to watching this kid for many years to come.

All three Marlie D finished the game +1, despite an in form Jagr looking to exploit the freshmen defenders at every opportunity.

McCabe flashed his Superman cape early in the second period, saving a goal from in the crease. But with his yapping penalty, which a buddy just recently warned would cost the team, that put the team down two men, he finished off the evening flapping his cheeks with a spectacular hip check miss.

With the loss, the team falls out of the top eight. From the forced optimism department, the Leafs get a chance to redeem themselves tonight, and should enjoy the added bonus of playing against Kevin Weekes. Key word; should.

Leaf Lines
Poni-Sundin-Steen
Tucker-Allison-Antro
Kilger-Wellwood-O'Neill
Belak-Stajan-Domi

Leaf Pairs
Harrison-McCabe
Kaberle-Woz
Berg-Kronvall