October 5, 2009.
It has been two games into the regular season, and Leafs fans are all thinking pretty much the same thing right now. After allowing 7 goals in two games, and being pulled in the second period against the Capitals, Vesa Toskala’s time in the Leafs goaltending spotlight is over, as it is now time to release the “Monster”, Jonas Gustavsson. The timing couldn’t be any better to play Gustavsson right now, as the Leafs host the rival Ottawa Senators at the ACC in Toronto on Tuesday. Playing the lowly Sens against the evenly matched Leafs is the perfect opportunity to build his confidence and give him his first 60 minute game in the NHL. The “Monster” allowed three goals in two periods to the Washington Capitals, and the much less superior Ottawa offense should not be nearly as much of a challenge for him and the Maple Leafs defense.
As for Toskala, his terrible work ethic and lack of clutch play has Leaf fans disgusted, yet relieved at the same time, for we have been aching to see the “Monster” since training camp. Toskala should be sent to the Marlies as soon as possible, and Joey McDonald would be the perfect backup for Gustavsson for the rest of the year. Trading or demoting Vesa Toskala would give Brian Burke the cap space we need to make one or two necessary moves later in the season. Coach Ron Wilson needs to see this goaltending situation for what it truly is, and put Gustavsson in net now before it’s too late. Let’s beat the Senators Tuesday and get our first win before Toskala does any more damage.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Marlies picked up their first win of the season Monday against the Hamilton Bulldogs in Scotland. The Marlies beat Hamilton in a shootout and are off to an excellent start, with the firepower of Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson, and goaltending of Joey McDonald.
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