Frustration

Jonas Gustavsson played very, very well through almost the entire game, but wound up allowing an absolutely Toskalian goal at 7:08 of the third period to sink the Leafs. That said, even though such a weak goal wound up being the difference, the Leafs had far from their best outing tonight, and blame cannot rest solely on Gustavsson’s shoulders.

The game started off well, with a power play marker from Clarke MacArthur coming at 11:20 of the opening frame, but the Leafs’ effort rather troughed between that point and the MacArthur’s next goal at 9:07 of the third. Certainly, fatigue could have been an issue, but even though the Leafs have played 3 games in 4 nights, it’s never easy to settle for a loss to the Senators.

The Leafs took three consecutive penalties to start the second period (four if you count Gunnarsson’s penalty in the first), and wound up paying the price on the scoreboard. Tim Connolly took two of said penalties, one a particularly unnecessary call for extra-curricular activities right at the end of a very good shift. Overall, they were out-shot 13-9 in the first, and 12-7 in the second.

Toronto’s penalty killing just isn’t good enough. The Sens were 2 for 4 on the evening.

Well, 7-3-1 ain’t bad.

 

MGK
Most of Phaneuf’s game. He played 29:18.
The Leafs’ fourth line continued to check well and create chances. Can’t say enough good things about David Steckel.

Dion Phaneuf and Luke Schenn missing Colin Greening sneak behind them for Ottawa’s breakaway goal.
Luke Schenn only played 11:44.
Kessel goes pointless for the first time in ages. He didn’t have a bad game, just a bummer that he didn’t get one.
Matt Frattin: only 9:52 of ice time, and needs to learn to use his linemates.

Jonas Gustavsson’s third goal against. Woof.