Leafs Officially Own Record with 3-1 loss to Canucks!

These ' New Look Leafs ' now officially own the record for losses to start the season, while it is a dubious record to have, the Leafs shouldn't be worried about it, after all, the still need to lose another four games to clinch the all time NHL title!

If you watched the game last night, then you're as sure as I am, that the Boys in Blue are well on their way. That was easily the best all around game they've played all year, and save for a bunch of penalty trouble in the first period, the Leafs for the most part played an extremely solid game and took the game to the Canucks for most of the night!


The Canucks first goal of their 3-1 win, was scored off the stick of Leafs d-man Komiserik. Joey MacDonald was very good in net aside from the second Vancouver goal that he simply was too far back in the net to see properly, and Luongo, despite taking a knee to the head from Toronto's Jason Blake, was incredibly lucky all night.

While there were several bright spots for the Leafs, there are still a couple of things that they need to work on.

While they obviously need to stay out of the box, they were 5 for 7 on the penalty kill. Luke Schenn needs to spend some time in the press box to re-evaluate himself. After a pretty good year last year, he has been more of a liability to the team in the early going so far this year.

Lee Stepniak looked very good last night, although, his stick couldn't seem to find the net.

Ian White set a career high in shots and even with a bad give away in the second, played his best game so far this year.

Viktor Stalberg, is still having trouble adjusting to life on the big club, he has only one point in six games as a Leaf, and is a -4, with just 15 shots over all.

Alex Edler put his hand over the puck in the blue ice and there was no call, and there where a couple of other obvious no calls in my opinion that could of made the difference, but alas, the Leafs fall to 0-7-1 on the season and will look to Anaheim Monday night for their first win of the season.

As Always, you can hear all the action live, right here on Bench Brawl!

Until next time, you kids play safe!

Keeping You in the Loop/ Maple Leafs-Avs Preview

What a difference a day makes! Matt Stajan and Nicklas Hagman will be out of the line up tonight vs. the Avs as they come to town to face the Leafs.

A frustrated Hagman was indifferent at the news,"It's just not working," said the Toronto forward. "There's only one way to go. We can only play better.

"We showed some good things in these games, but we just haven't played well enough to win a game."

Joining the team will be Joey Macdonald who replaces Toskala who has been sent for an MRI. Wilson would not disclose the nature of the MRI but also called up goalie James Reimer on an emergency basis.

Also re-joining the team reportedly will be Tyler Bozak and Viktor Stalberg, who has been out for a week do to a suspected mild concussion.

All things being equal, I like the Leafs to win this one and claim their first victory of the season. With an infusion of some youth and the Toskala question mark answered, at least for today, look for the Leafs to come out with a lot of jump and score early!

The question has arisen about Jason Blake and why he isn't a healthy scratch. That question could have do different answers. The first being simple, despite his lack of production so far this season and his sometime inability to hold on to the puck in his own end, Blake has been the hardest working Leafs on a consistent basis. Keep in mind, NOBODY on the Leafs squad has been producing anything of any note.

The second possible answer lies in a rumor spotted in the Globe & Mail over the weekend, that Burke will soon put both Blake and Toskala on waivers to try and create some cap space for when Kessel returns around mid to late November.

Don't forget, you can hear the tonight's action live, right here on Bench Brawl!

Until next time, you kids play safe!