Before the season started there were so many thoughts and speculations being made about this revamped and younger Maple Leafs Dressing Room.
However, there was one thing that everyone knew was going to possibly be the only bright side for the Leafs this entire season: the strong goaltending of Vesa Toskala. Unfortunately, almost a quarter of the way through the season, this has not been the case for Toskala and his Leafs.
Toskala has struggled so far, posting an unforgiving 2.24 GAA and a measly 8.78 SV percentage in 15 games this season. Last night's loss to the Vancouver Canucks was nothing new to Leaf fans as Vesa struggled once again.
He allowed four goals on only nine shots in a game that should have been tight the whole time. I can't say all the goals were Toskala's fault, as many of them came from brutal turnovers by the other Leafs on the ice. However, there's still no excuse for an outing of four goals against and only five saves.
Curtis Joseph entered the game halfway through the second period of play. This seemed to spark the Leafs players, as they did not allow a shot on goal for the rest of the period.
In fact, the first shot on Cujo did not come until there were 15 minutes left in the last period. The shot turned out to be a beauty of a glove save on a streaking-in Pavol Demitra. While Joseph faced only six shots the rest of the night, many of them were great scoring opportunities that he robbed from the Canucks.
After the game, Don Cherry came on for his 10-minute recap of the games that had already finished that night. The first thing that he had to get off his chest was the latest play from the Leafs' No. 1 goaltender, Vesa Toskala.
He believes that Toskala is starting to lose games for the Leafs instead of stealing them. The last point he made about the Leaf game was that Cujo should be the starting goalie in town, and if Wilson eventually makes the switch he guarantees they will start to win!
That may be a comment many Leaf fans would think is crazy. Why would you bench your "best player" for Joseph who is starting to lose his game at the age of 40?
But the fact is we're not going to win games if Toskala continues to play like he has lately. Joseph hasn't put out the strongest performances when given the chance, but also doesn't have the luxury of staying in game mode by playing every second or third night.
It may be too early to give up on Toskala, but if he does not improve and bench boss Ron Wilson turns to Cujo, I believe that we will see more wins coming out of Leafs Nation.
With Cujo playing on a daily basis I think we will see the Joseph we all knew and loved when he was in his prime with the Leafs. I still do not believe he has lost his game just yet. After last night's game, he proved to fans that he can still make key saves.
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about 1 month ago
He only had to make six saves in Vancouver; but I do agree that Toskala is seriously slacking. He makes a few great saves, but many goals he allows are goals I expect a top #1 goaltender to make; hard saves but they aren't impossible.
I don't know about Joseph though; I feel as if he's a little rusty. I do agree that if he plays a few continuous games he might get back into form, and that'll wake up Toskala. I feel that perhaps Pogge should be brought up for a few starts. He's milking time in the AHL it'd be nice to see him up there for a game or two... see how he fairs.
from about 1 month ago
Hi Chandler, I completely agree with your comments. This is what the Leafs must do, and they must give Curtis a minimum of 4 games to play himself back into shape- the first couple games will just be warmups for him. And as you point out, Toskala, has to make the hard saves. That is what a number one goalie does. In the Vancouver game, I am not saying the goals were complete gimme's but dammit, he should definitely had 2 of them-- at least. And letting a goal in on the first shot, after you team has outshot Vancouver 10- zip--- come on, give me a break. It is time for action, or the Leafs will start to lose night after night because they have no confidence in their netminder- does this sound familiar-- sort of like the Raycroft saga? And what was Maurice's big mistake? Answer- NOT SITTING RAYCROFT DOWN and giving the goaltending to someone else before things got totally out of hand-- lets not see this happen again.
about 1 month ago
Hey Jordan- I was at the game, and let me tell you Toskala, stunk. And so did his reaction to his performance after the game. I know that Toskala is supposed to be our starting goaltender, and I would like to see him play at the level I believe he is capable of. However, 878% as save percentage will get you , first on the bench, and then out of the NHL--- it does not matter if you are playing for Detroit or L.A. - the goaltender must do better . Toskala, has personally lost a number of games already this year, and has he stole one for us? I don't think so. How many games did Curtis steal for the Leafs in his years with us- oh, probably about 20 a year! Anyways, we know Curtis today is not Curtis of 5 or 10 years ago. Still, lets give him a try for a few games, if he can't hack it, then let him sit and call up Pogge, or the other fellow Raymer, or trade for someone. Whatever we do, you can't let a young , talented Leaf team be brought down by their goalie, night after night. People may think I am harsh, but I am not. Toskala, needs to SIT--- period. Let him stew, let him bitch, and then when he is good and angry, put him back in net and see if he can start earning his 4 million dollar salary!!!!
about 1 month ago
I completly agree that Toskala needs to take a seat on the bench, in favor of another goalie. I just hope that Cujo can be that goalie, it would be really cool to see him take over that number 1 spot and excel!
about 1 month ago
I don't know Jordan. Let me of course say this is a great article, and it's a hot topic in Leafs Nation right now.
I just don't think Curtis Joseph is the solution. I mean, he has the chance to step in right now and deliver some wins, but I don't think you go the whole season with CuJo as your starter, he simply can't do it at his age.
Now, It wouldn't surprise me if he continues to struggle, to see Ron Wilson platoon Toskala/Joseph much like he did with his goalies in San Jose.
Either way, Toskala is a slow starter. His career numbers have pretty much indicated that, and I think he can work through the funk.
I mean, the team has lost some games, possibly because of him, and they're still tied for the final playoff spot. If he can get his groove, who knows.
I guess what I am trying to say is despite his struggles, the team is picking him up. Which is cool to see this group playing for each other.
about 1 month ago
Now I am not saying Vesa can't be better, but you can't also forget the fact that other than the Canucks game, and even on the chances in the Van city game, the Leafs players have stopped playing D.
I mean, players +/- are down drastically, and they are scrambling in their own zone, giving away a lot of good scoring chances.
from about 1 month ago
ya i completly agree again, its not all toskala's fault i mean there have been bad scrombles and give aways in front of him. Also ya for sure Joseph is too old to go a full season without getting warn out, but i think he could be used more possibly as a strater as well, but obviously wouldnt be a starter like brodeur or what toskala is supposed to be when it comes to the amount of starts.
about 1 month ago
Toskala's just in a slump he proved last year that he is a great goalie. there is no controversy Vesa is the #1 guy.
from about 1 month ago
ya but after his play so far, i think hes gonna have to prove himself again and fast before he finds himself in wilsons doghouse like other so far (Blake and Stajan)
about 1 month ago
I wonder if Cujo will get the start tommorow night?
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