The Leafs Make it 2 In a Row Against LA

Ya know, I don't really want to open today by praising the play of Vesa Toskala, but I will tell you this. Wow did he make some not only huge but timely saves against LA last night! I work afternoons so it is a rare treat for me to see my favorite team any day but Saturday. I don't mind telling you, the Leafs didn't disappoint. There were times in the game that I held my breath and cursed silently, but all in all, it was what we should expect from a team that is not only developing, but still trying to find an identity.

Mat Stajan, and Mikeal Grabovski, who have both been in a bit of a funk lately, scored in the early part of the third period to give the Leafs a one goal lead. Both goals were scored on the power play. Stajan's goal, his seventh, and the 18,000 goal scored in franchise history, was scored in the 3rd minute of the third period. There hadn't been a goal since the first minute of the first period when LA's Alexander Frolov opened th scoring 57 seconds in. For all the details, go here.

The Brian Burke era has started with a bang! It is unlikely that Burke will do any thing regarding roster moves at least until after the Christmas freeze as he will need some time to assess the current roster. Although he is the President and GM, it rumored that will seek permission to speak with other candidates to fill the GM role in the future.

It is also unlikely, according to Burke that Sundin will make a return to the organization. The two spoke on Saturday and Burke left with the feeling that Sundin would still likely seek a return to playing, with a contender. When asked about the un-certainty surrounding Sundin's returning at all, Burke said “There has been a lot of criticism of Mats Sundin for not making up his mind,” Burke said. “Having been through this situation before, I do not agree with it. I’d rather have a guy who wants to make sure in his own mind of what he is doing, as opposed to a guy who plays (halfway) just to collect a pay check.”

A big test for the current roster will come tonight when the Leafs face the best team in the league in the San Jose Sharks. You can listen to the game live right here on Bench Brawl!